Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson may have given beleaguered Houston sports fans the shot of optimism they have been desperately seeking since the regular season began.
Hutchinson was in Houston Wednesday at the Hilton Americas for the Rotary Lombardi Award, which goes to the season’s best lineman in college football. The 6-6, 255 edge defender joined “The Wheelhouse with Jake Asman, Cody Stoots, & Brad Kellner” on ESPN 97.5 [KFNC-FM] to talk about the Wolverine’s season and also the future.
The Texans are projected to have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, and Hutchinson is expected to go in the top-10. When asked what he thought of the city and playing for the Texans, Hutchinson had a favorable reply.
“When I got off the airplane, it felt right,” said Hutchinson. “I can’t lie to you. Just the air, the atmosphere, the vibes. Houston is a good place to be. If they draft me, I’d love to play for the Texans.”
The Plymouth, Michigan, native says that he was not a Lions fan growing up, but rather a fan of the New England Patriots.
Said Hutchinson: “You know, growing up, it was hard being a Lions fan. Lions have been struggling for a while. I actually grew up a Patriots fan with Tom Brady and stuff like that. So, I never really loved the Lions too much. But, hey, if they pick me, they’re getting it all.”
Hutchinson says that he likes barbecue, has had Tex Mex “once or twice,” and mentions Mexican cuisine is “not bad.” Hutchinson also stated he loves Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Stoots asked Hutchinson for his input on his nickname for the edge defender: Wolverine Watt, as there are overt comparisons to J.J. Watt.
“That’s interesting,” Hutchinson said. “It’s not bad. I don’t hate it. It could use some work. I’d have to think about that.”
Hutchinson finished the season with 13.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 55 tackles through 13 games.