T.J. Watt Linebacker Wisconsin Rookie Who is your football mentor or inspiration?
I have to go with my brother, J.J. Watt. He is just a phone call away. He has been through it at the highest level. To come from the little town of Pewaukee (Wisconsin) and make it to the NFL has always been an inspiration for me.
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What motivates you? **
Wanting to be the best. A lot of people want to be the best, few people know what it takes. Even fewer people do what it takes to be great. I know what I want to do, how to do it, and when to do it and I think that's what separates me. * What is your approach to football?*
As soon as you get on that field you know the work is done. You know you have worked your butt off to put a good product on the field. The guy across from you knows that I have put in more work than he has and that is what gives me that edge. When you look him in the eye and he knows, and I know, that I worked harder than he does.
Why do you play football?
I just love it. I don't play football for the fame or money. I play it because it's so much fun to get 11 guys on one unit, on the defensive side of the ball, running around making hits, for one common goal to win the Super Bowl. I think it's awesome, especially when you get the whole 53-man roster to strive for that one goal, do everything they can in the offseason to work towards it is pretty special. * When did you start to dream about playing in the NFL?*
I always dreamed about it. It became more of a reality a few years back when I started playing in college. When I was younger I just wanted to be a Pewaukee Pirate. I wanted to play at the varsity level. When I got to Wisconsin, I just wanted to be a Badger and play. I didn't really look too far into the future. That is why I am so excited I am here, able to set new goals and achieve them. ** * What is your proudest football moment or memory? *
Getting on the field for the first time as a Wisconsin Badger, playing in my first ever game. I have overcome so much adversity with my knee injuries, switching positions. It really takes a toll on you mentally and physically. Knowing if you can play football, if it's cut out for you. When you finally get out on that field you just kind of black out, you are overcome with joy. It's so much fun to fly around and make hits, and fly around with your teammates*. *
