Protein can come from both animal and vegetable sources, including fish, meat, chicken, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes and lentils, the KidsHealth website advises. After playing football, players may need protein foods with higher fat content — steak, salmon, roast beef and hamburgers, for example.Salmon, with its high content of tissue-repairing omega-3 fatty acids, is a strong choice for a post-game meal.laying football requires large amounts of energy which must quickly be replenished by eating plenty of high-quality food. Photo Credit William Giakas/iStock/Getty Images. Because football is one of the most grueling, calorie-consuming sports, proper nutrition is crucial to optimal athletic performance.