Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL and, if you believe what you read, one hell of a nice guy. He’s a fantastic guest on talk radio and I personally find him very likable. But since Sunday he seems to be making some weird choices.
First he mocked Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger for taking a selfie two hours before the game by doing a sarcastic celebration — pretty much the most mature thing a man can do. After the 30-9 rout Watt gave some advice to the rookie quarterback saying, in part, that this is Big Boy Football and not high school.
Why Watt cared so much about the photo is beyond me. And it’s fine if he wants to use it as extra motivation. That’s the name of the game for athletes. The only problem is that Watt himself once wore a letterman’s jacket along with the rest of his teammates in 2012 before getting housed by the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Pret-tay pret-tay high school.
And then yesterday he got a one-day job delivering pizzas for Papa John’s — literally something a high schooler would do. Yes, the proceeds from the stunt went to charity because real-life Watt is a gentle giant with a heart of gold. But what … what is he doing? Is he going to be bagging groceries tomorrow? Overpaying for a sound system is his spoiler-adorned car on Thursday? Playing and killing people in Friday night’s big match against the crosstown rival?
Is Watt Benjamin Buttoning and trying to throw us of the scent by pointing out others’ regression? It’s very possible and something to keep an eye on.