Thousands of people flock to Los Angeles each year hoping to find their big break into show business. For Houston Texans defensive standout J.J. Watt, all it took was a line about a burrito.
During one of Watt’s “miked up” sessions in 2012, he was caught telling ex-Ravens running back Ray Rice “I’ve eaten burritos bigger than you.” That quip made it into a montage during the NFL Honors show later that year. Watt’s personality caught the attention of two people present at the awards show, Jeff and Jackie Schaffer, the executive producers of the television series “The League”. The two knew instantly that Watt had a career looming beyond the football field.
“He could be the next Rock if The Rock was better at football,” Jeff Schaffer said in an interview with Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. “Some sort of Wisconsin version of Hercules.”
The duo recruited Watt for an appearance in a 2013 episode of “The League”. Since then, the cameos, endorsements, and accolades have continued to roll in. Watt has done national spots for Gatorade, Reebok and Papa John’s. At the moment, he just happens to be the focal point of HBO’s “Hard Knocks”, which is chronicles the Houston Texans’ preseason.
J.J. Watt’s accomplishments on the field have spoken for themselves. He was named the top player in football in the NFL Network’s poll of NFL players, and fans are beginning to give him the “Chuck Norris” treatment, attributing feats to him that are beyond human measure. All in all, Watt’s new-found popularity bodes well for him as he looks to expand his “brand” beyond football. Exactly what the future holds for Watt after he hangs up his cleats is yet to be seen, but he can thank his funny line about a burrito for getting him his Hollywood start.
