Much like Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick Dr.Watson, the NFL’s Ben Watson has humor, zeal, articulation, ambition, and brains. He was suspected to have scored a 48 on the league’s Wonderlic Test, which is roughly equivalent to an IQ of 156. But there is no mystery why Ben admires many of the football Hall of Famers that were represented at the NFLPA Legends Brunch. Watson was asked to help as a field reporter during the annual event at the Indianapolis Museum of Art with Bears’ placekicker Robbie Gould. The Legends Brunch is one of the NFLPA’s exclusive Super Bowl weekend festivities, and Watson was excited to be a part of it.
Along with the excitement, the 6-foot-4 tight end brought the humor. Before the NFL Legends Brunch, when asked to say his name and position into the microphone for editing purposes, Mr.Watson stated, “I am Tom. Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots.” He then laughed and said, “Ha, I almost had you. I am actually Benjamin Watson of the Cleveland Brown.” Ironically, Ben was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft and played with Brady before moving to the Browns in 2010.
Here are some additional things Pro Player Insiders discovered about Mr. Watson in an interview prior to the event.
PPI: You are a part of the “golden age” of the tight end. How has it felt to be a part of that?
BW: It is great, man! These guys running around out there…they are all former basketball players actually, you know. If you didn’t play basketball I feel you don’t have as much of a chance playing tight end anymore. This year you have seen some phenomenal performances and production by the tight end. Being somewhat of an older, more veteran player in the position, watching these younger guys has really been a great thing to [see].
PPI: I had the pleasure to interview Mercedes Lewis and he explained that being a tight end in the league is kind of like being in a secret society? What does that mean to you?
BW: Yeah it actually is kind of like a secret society. (Chuckles.) It’s a secret society because we don’t know where we fit, so we have to have our own society. The “O” line really doesn’t want us and we don’t want to be an “O” lineman. We want to be receivers… but the receivers don’t really want us either because they think we are too big and too slow. Really, half the time the tight ends are faster than they are. We make our own deal; our own society you could say. It’s a unique position to play because you have to do a lot of different things and use a lot of different skills. You have to be able to catch, run, and you have to be able to block. It takes a lot of talent to play tight end.
PPI: At the NFLPA Legends Brunch, which legends have you seen that you admire or were excited to meet?
BW: Today at the Legends Brunch it’s been great. I really looked forward to this, just being a fan of the game. I have been able to see Warren Moon, Rod Woodson, Cornelius Bennett, Floyd Little, Biletnikoff, and the list goes on and on. It’s been good to even see a friend of mine, the kicker for the Bears, Robbie Gould here today. It has been an amazing thing to see, because I used to watch these guys growing up. I can remember my dad watching Floyd. Even though I didn’t remember him playing, my dad would tell me stories about him. So it’s kind of come full circle and it’s really exciting.
PPI: What are some charitable organizations you are involved in off the field?
BW: My wife and I have our own charity called One More. The whole purpose of One More is to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to one more soul. We do that through charitable initiatives like education opportunities. We try to meet people’s real needs but also tell them how their souls can be saved. We want to give the people something to hope for. We are planning some events in Cleveland and have done stuff in Boston a couple years ago, when we were there. We partner with colleges to help with scholarships, as well as give away food or toys.
Currently, I am also setting up a mission trip for some of my teammates to go out of the country. More recently setting up a trip to Jamaica for a week to help out, serve, and make a difference. We want to help people but ultimately serve the Lord.
What are some travels you have planned in the offseason?
We have three little kids now. We have had some awesome travels but we are not the worldwide Watson’s we used to be. We do the smaller stuff. We currently enjoy spending time down South. Soon we are going to Disney with the kids. The kids will love that. We will also get some warmth there because Cleveland hasn’t gotten much of that. We have some good trips planned but not too far because we have the babies.
Which artist is currently taking over your iTunes playlist?
Mary J. Blige is my girl! I have always loved Mary J! I listen to her non-stop. It took me a while to get her newest album but now it is taking over my playlist. I probably have all her CDs. This trip I have downloaded it and listened to it non-stop. I listened to her over and over again.
Robbie Gould (Chicago Bears kicker) walks over to interview, speaks into the mic, and chimes in.
RG: His favorite position , other than the tight end, would be the place kicker.
BW: Who cares? We are talking about Mary J. Blige right now. If you have anything to add about Mary J. Blige and about how great she is…you could do it.
PPI to RG: Yes, we are talking music. Who is currently your favorite artist?
RG: Katy Perry!
BW: Maaaan, I’ll take Mary over Katy any day.
RG: Katy Perry is the best…
BW: (speaking over RG ) Yeah, so Mary J. Blige is the best artist. Man, as long as Mary J. tweets me I’ll be happy.
Mr. Watson was put on injured reserve following his third concussion in the 2011 season, but it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to see where this case is going. After tightening up a few things this off season, there is no mystery. Watson will continue to admire the legends who played before him, and be ready to play opening day for the Cleveland Browns next season.
Case closed.
For more information on Watson’s charity dedicated to impacting lives by spreading the love and hope of Christ to One More soul visit www.watsononemore.org/
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