J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans didn’t start his Thanksgiving last year with turkey or stuffing. In fact, all Watt needed to power his three-sack performance against the Detroit Lions was Gatorade Prime Energy Chews.

“I take Prime every game day, right before the game,” Watt says. “I also take one at halftime.”

Gatorade’s Prime Energy Chews deliver a blend of carbohydrates and B vitamins to provide the carbohydrate energy Watt needs to hit the ground running—after quarterbacks, that is.

Want proof that Prime helps athletes start strong? Look no further than the opening play of that Thanksgiving Day game. Watt bull rushed past the opposing Lions lineman and wrapped up quarterback Matt Stafford in just 2.4 seconds.

Gatorade Prime Energy Chews deliver real carb-based energy—the primary fuel source for the muscle contractions that generate Watt’s power and speed. When his muscles get the fuel they need, they stay strong all game long.

No wonder Watt recorded eight of his league-leading 20.5 sacks last season in the fourth quarter.

If you think that total is impressive, wait until you hear what the league’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year has in store for 2013. Watt says, “One of the things I’m doing now is I’m going to have a Gatorade bar and Gatorade Prime to get a little extra carbohydrates to help keep me going throughout the entire game. That’s one thing I’m going to change, and I look forward to seeing how it affects me.”

Opposing QBs facing Watt and Houston in 2013: You have a problem.