Deshaun Watson made history this NFL season as the Houston Texans quarterback became the first QB in league history to throw for 5,000 yards or more and 40 touchdowns and rush for 700 or more yards in his first career 21 games. Not only did the 23-year-old help lead the Texans to the postseason after starting the season 0-3, but he also led them to a division title.
Ahead of his first career playoff start on Saturday afternoon, Watson sat down with former NFL wide receiver and current ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson where he discussed things like getting prepared for games including his first playoff start, his foundation from the College Football Playoff when he played for Clemson and a whole lot more. During his sit down interview the second year quarterback was as honest as could be as he also shared how he gets butterflies and a little starstruck when he goes up against the biggest stars.
Deshaun Watson: Depending on who we’re playing, it’s just kind of like a little starstruck. You know, because there are guys that… I’m playing against Tom Brady or Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck. Guys like that that I’ve been watching since high school, that’s been crazy things. [They’ve] been my role models that I’ve been trying to achieve things they’ve been doing for the longest.
And now I’m on the same field with them, which is pretty cool. So it’s a little butterflies and kind of just getting the feel and the energy of the game, but once the game starts, I’m all focused on my team.
Keyshawn Johnson: Is it butterflies the night before the game? Is it during the game, pregame warmups?
Deshaun Watson: It’s probably pregame. During the week, the night before the game, I’m chilling. I’m just vibing, just finding my peace, my calmness. But once I step on that field pregame and I can feel the energy of the crowd… the anticipation just before the game starts, that’s when the butterflies come.
Watson’s interview with Johnson is a good way to remind fans that professional athletes are normal human beings, too, even if they seem like they’re larger than life. After all, can you really blame Watson for getting butterflies after looking down the field and seeing someone like Brady or Wilson warming up preparing to go up against he and the Texans?
One thing’s for sure, Watson has done a pretty good job hiding his nerves considering he owns a 14-8 record in the regular season and has thrown 45 touchdowns in 23 appearances.
(H/T ESPN)
