Matt Lumpkin isn’t exactly the kind of guy who springs to mind when you think of a vegetarian.The 16-year-old 6-footer is a tight end and wide receiver on his high school football team. Come spring, he pitches, catches, and plays third base on the baseball team.We asked Matt to tell us what it’s like to be a vegetarian athlete in a world full of carnivores.

Why did you become vegetarian? Because of the animals. They are so badly mistreated. I believe that if I don’t eat meat, there will be a little less suffering in the world and lives will be saved.

Has being a vegetarian helped your athletic performance? Definitely. I’m eating healthier; a vegetarian diet has less fat and more complex carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy during exercise. I have also lost 40 pounds, which makes me more mobile.

Do your teammates give you a hard time? Yes, of course. They make fun of me and call me “Vegetarian” instead of calling me Matt.

What do you say in response? I smile and say proudly, “Yes, I am.” I don’t mind what they say because I know I’m making a difference. I tell them they could do without meat, too, if they put their minds to it.

What do you say to people who think they have to eat meat to be strong? I tell them they are wrong. You can get all the nutrients you need without the fat and cholesterol and other junk in meat.

How do you get your protein and what are your favorite foods? There is protein in just about everything you eat—bread, rice, beans, broccoli—even salad! I love mac and “cheese,” beans, Mexican food, Chinese food, veggie burgers, fake chicken patties, and “chicken” nuggets. I still eat the same foods as other kids, just without the meat. I’m so excited that Burger King has a veggie burger now—I can hardly wait until other fast-food chains get them, too.

Has your being a vegetarian influenced others? I have one friend who is also a vegetarian. I was influenced by my uncle and aunt, who are vegetarians, and I hope that my being a vegetarian will influence others. I have been researching animal issues on PETA.org, and I would like to pass this information along to as many people as I can.