Deshaun Watson: 'We always set the bar high at Clemson University' |
Deshaun Watson took a second to reflect on a whirlwind first year as a pro during an interview on-site at the Super Bowl Wednesday.
Watson tied for the league in passing touchdowns (19) after winning AFC Offensive Player of the Month in October. In the same week as the honor, Watson said it was shocking to find out that he had torn an ACL after walking off the practice field. Similar to same injury in his other knee while at Clemson, Watson is outperforming expectations in rehab and eager for his comeback. “I really didn’t think anything was wrong,” Watson told ESPN Radio’s Golic and Wingo show. “I just made a cut and my foot got stuck and I just fell...I’m three months out and rehab has been going really good. I’m ahead of schedule and everything is going smooth and I’m trying to keep it on that and trying to keep that going every day.” Even as a first-round NFL draft pick, Watson had to bide his time through camp and the opening week as a backup, but he says he was ready to take over when needed. “Once we got down at halftime (of the opener), he (O’Brien) came up to me and said, ‘Hey’ it’s your time. Make sure you rally around the guys and make sure you have the confidence to go in there and make a comeback,’” Watson said. “I went in there and went down and scored a touchdown. Right after that, he said it was my team and you just take it and run with it. “I kinda saw it coming. I was prepared. I never knew when I was going to play, but I was prepared. Once he said it, I was ready to go.” The All-Rookie team QB says he learned quick just how fast decisions have to be made as an NFL quarterback, picking up how key pre-snap reads are in successful plays. Watson says he knew he had arrived when he led his Texans in a thriller with Super Bowl-participant New England, where future hall-of-famer Tom Brady spoiled a Texans’ comeback with a game-winning touchdown pass with 29 seconds left in a 36-33 win. “We came down to the wire. Once I played that game, I knew I could play this game at a high level and compete with the best,” Watson said. “Once I played that game, everyone could feel that energy and we just took it and ran with it.” The ESPN hosts asked Watson about Dabo Swinney comparing him to Michael Jordan around this time last year, saying teams would regret passing on Watson in the NFL draft. “We always set the bar high at Clemson University,” said Watson. “That’s just the confidence he has in me. Coach Swinney has been around a lot of great players and has seen great players. That’s how he really feels and I respect his opinion and what he said about me. “I have a long way to go to live up to that name. Each day counts and it’s a new year, what I did last year, I have to do even better this year and start over.” Deshaun Watson promoting Old Spice on Radio Row. I asked him bout doing interviews. “Hopefully, I’ll be at the Super Bowl next year in a different capacity and the media will be interviewing me about the game,” he said. "@deshaunwatson is the next face of the NFL." Deshaun Watson led all NFL QBs in Big-Time Throw percentage in his rookie season ?? pic.twitter.com/DWiM9pQFDP Anyone else excited for more #DW4 next season? ??
??: @PSchrags // @gmfb pic.twitter.com/0VVX1qEtQC
QB @deshaunwatson's top ?? plays from 2017. ?? pic.twitter.com/SCC7Pch7Yt
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
