Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson grew up in Gainesville, Ga., just an hour outside of Atlanta. He played Power 5 college football for the Clemson Tigers, and he came to the Bayou City in 2017 as a first-round pick.
It’s safe to say Watson is used to most things Southern, and the Midwestern traditions and weather of Green Bay, where the Texans have had two days of joint training camp with the Packers, has been a surprise to the 23-year-old.
“As far as the city — it’s a different little vibe for me, but it’s been great,” Watson told reporters Tuesday. “The fans have been awesome, they’ve been all hands and arms open for us to welcome us here. I mean, it’s been a beautiful two days, and it’s just been great. I’ve really enjoyed my time.”
Watson also took part in one of the Packers traditions of training camp, which is riding bikes to practice. The Pro Bowler has been aware of the tradition, but found it really significant to take part in it.
“I’ve always seen it on Instagram and on TV, but to be able to have the chance to ride down the tradition, and you kind of hop on a kid’s bike and talk to them,” Watson said. “The way the practice is — it’s pretty dope. It’s very cool to kind of get to know little fans that are from places you’d never think you’d be able to experience to go to. It was awesome. I’ve enjoyed it for sure.”
Like everywhere Watson goes, he tries to use every experience, even the ones with young Packers fans in Green Bay, to inspire kids he meets and emphasizes to them the constant work towards achieving their goals.
Said Watson: “I try to make sure that regardless of how many times we meet in the future, the first time is always the best time and a great time. I just try to live by that and inspire young kids, for sure, to fulfill their dreams and do what they want to do.”
