Josh Allen and his wife, Hailee Steinfeld, are embracing the joys and challenges of first-time parenthood, a role that has required significant adjustment for the Buffalo Bills quarterback. The couple's daughter, Harper Haize Allen, arrived in April 2026, adding a new dimension to Allen's life off the field. Since then, they have marked several milestones, including their first Halloween together as a family.
Balancing the rigors of an NFL season with the demands of a newborn has been a learning experience for Allen, who is accustomed to performing under pressure in front of thousands of fans. Fatherhood, however, presents a different set of challenges and rewards.
In a rare and exclusive interview for The Healthy's "How I Healthspan" series, published on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Allen shared insights into the habits and wellness routines that help him maintain peak performance. The conversation touched on his transition to fatherhood, the realities of sleep deprivation, his affection for sweets, and the recovery methods he relies on to stay healthy.
Allen, who generally keeps a low profile compared to some of his peers, offered a candid glimpse into his personal life. He noted that his nighttime routine has shifted significantly since becoming a dad. "There's definitely been less TV now," Allen said. "When we put [our daughter] down, we [Allen and his wife, Steinfeld] give ourselves 35 to 40 minutes to maybe watch something, or decompress and talk, which you have to do. But definitely less screen time before bed, which I think is extremely beneficial."
Even elite athletes have their weaknesses, and Allen readily admitted to his. "Oh, I'm a huge sweets guy. Chocolate chip cookies are just the death of me. A chocolate chip cookie is gonna get consumed," he told The Healthy. Recently, he has tried to curb that habit, opting for fruit as a dessert instead. "Which probably isn't the best thing, but in my mind it's better," he added.
When it comes to recovery, Allen swears by the sauna. "I think the sauna, to me, is by far and away the best thing from that point of view," he said. He also frequently uses his Theragun from Therabody and plans to test the Ammortal Chamber, a newer recovery device the Bills have been exploring.
Off the field, Allen and Steinfeld hosted their annual Halloween party for the Bills following the team's bye week, continuing a festive tradition.
Anne Erickson is a sports and entertainment journalist who covers the NFL, NBA, and college sports. Her work includes interviews with prominent figures such as Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and Fox Sports' Erin Andrews. Erickson's articles have been published by Newsweek, ESPN, Fox Sports, Heavy Sports, and others. She holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from Michigan State University.
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