Sometimes, it pays off to be a star NFL quarterback. Among the benefits are fame, money and glory. For some, a comprehensive contact book follows. Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is one with a contact book so big he may have to buy a new phone.
While talking business with former NBA player Jay Williams on Kevin Durant’s “The Boardroom,” Watson revealed the bundle of NFL greats, retired or active, at his disposal to chat football, life or business ventures.
“I can hit up Drew Brees. He will talk to me. Tom Brady, he will talk to me, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Cam Newton,” said Watson. “All these guys, they will hit me back, Philip Rivers. Even guys that are already retired and played a lot like Kurt Warner and guys like Steve Young, Warren Moon. If I want to talk, they open their phone lines are always open for me.”
Watson has not won a Super Bowl. Nevertheless, he is prepared to do so; Building relationships with Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Steve Young and Drew Brees will certainly help. Talking success is chief among the 24-year-old’s conversations with the greats.
“How to handle the success, when they win a Super Bowl, how are they coming back? I haven’t won a Super Bowl yet, but I want to make sure that I’m prepared for that moment. … I am going to win one, sooner than later. And then, just all types of stuff about life, about dealing with different coaches, new coaches, different systems,” said Watson.
Though taking advice, Watson isn’t here to copycat. Similar to Lamar Jackson, he plays Deshaun Watson football — not Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers or whoever football.
“I can’t be Drew Brees, I can’t be Tom Brady,” Watson said. “But I can be the best of Deshaun Watson as I can, and something that they’re doing. I can probably do, and turn it put it in my spin my flavor my style.”
Watson is keen on taking defenses to flavor town, but only the one he envisions and, subsequently, built. A Rolodex of the names that defined the game is just assistance.