Trevor Lawrence posted a series of tweets Saturday to defend himself against some mild criticism that he shouldn’t have to address in the first place.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the former Clemson quarterback explained his mentality going into his professional career, saying he doesn’t have anything to prove and doesn’t “have this huge chip on my shoulder”.
His comments shouldn’t be controversial because Lawrence has been favored and expected to succeed on the football field since he was in high school. He was often praised throughout his college career with the Tigers — remember that 2018-19 national championship he won as a freshman? — and it’s assumed he’ll be the No. 1 NFL Draft pick this year. So why should he have a chip on his shoulder?
Here’s his quote from Sports Illustrated:
“It’s hard to explain that because I want people to know that I’m passionate about what I do and it’s really important to me, but . . . I don’t have this huge chip on my shoulder, that everyone’s out to get me and I’m trying to prove everybody wrong,” he says. “I just don’t have that. I can’t manufacture that. I don’t want to.” …
“And I think people mistake that for being a competitor. … I think that’s unhealthy to a certain extent, just always thinking that you’ve got to prove somebody wrong, you’ve got to do more, you’ve got to be better.”
It seems like Lawrence is just being open and candid about how he feels. He has a lot going for him outside of his playing career, and added: “It’s not like I need this for my life to be O.K.”
But regardless of the praise or criticism Lawrence is receiving for this quote and interview, it’s important to recognize that he’s still being given the benefit of the doubt in this manufactured controversy. Had Justin Fields or any other Black quarterback expressed the same feelings, there likely would be no approval — only condemnation and baseless questions about commitment, work ethic, character or any other racist and tired trope.
In this situation, Lawrence clearly felt his comments were being taken out of context and misinterpreted enough to further clarify what he meant.
It seems as if people are misreading my sentiment.
I am internally motivated – I love football as much or more than anyone. It is a HUGE priority in my life, obviously. I am driven to be the best I can be, and to maximize my potential. And to WIN. (1/3)
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) April 17, 2021
Everything that comes with it. The work, the team, the ups and downs. I am a firm believer in the fact that there is a plan for my life and I’m called to be the best I can be at whatever I am doing.
Thanks for coming to my TedTalk lol. 🙌🏼
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) April 17, 2021
Lawrence is simply saying there’s more to him as a person than being successful on the football field — which is, obviously, something he wants in his career. That’s true of all athletes and people in general who don’t want to be solely defined by what they do for a living.
Criticizing Lawrence for these comments is ridiculous, but at least he’s able to have a sense of humor about it.
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