“We wanted to be legendary … we wanted to set a new standard.”
These words, coming from Deshaun Watson following Clemson’s 45-40 loss to Alabama in the National Championship game show that this leader has high aspirations for his team and school.
On Monday, Watson accepted the Davey O’Brien Award, the trophy given to the nation’s top quarterback. As the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history to throw for over 4,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a season while leading his team to the National Championship, there is no other player who deserved this award more.
Clemson was one win away from attaining a 15-0 record, a feat never accomplished in college football history. Even though this season may not have ended the way Watson and his team would have hoped, Tiger fans were given a glimpse of the future when Watson stated, “My main focus is … getting this whole team on the right page to finish that unfinished business.”
Not only is Clemson’s star quarterback receiving national honors, but also a recent poll indicates that Clemson’s fan base is also receiving its
due credit.
According to a study released by Wallethub.com, Clemson was ranked the No. 1 college football city among 245 cities of all sizes. Clemson was also ranked No. 1 in having the most friendly and engaged college football fans. These rankings are very well deserved, however not the least bit surprising. Walk around Clemson’s campus on a game day and try to feel like you aren’t a part of one big family — it’s impossible. The atmosphere surrounding football games is unrivaled, and the happiness spread throughout the campus seems the making of a fairytale.
Not only is this amazing vibe present on football game days, it is prevalent at Jervey Gymnasium, Doug Kingsmore Stadium and even the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, Clemson’s home basketball court for the season. The Clemson family is just a great thing to be a part of.
Brian Tracy, a chairman and CEO of a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations, quoted this on success: “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’”
By looking at the quotes of Deshaun Watson, the word “we” is very prevalent, while the word “I” was not used once. Watson has received the Davey O’Brien Award and Manning Award and has been nominated as a Heisman Trophy candidate.
These awards were not gained by selfishness, but rather by selflessness and an unwavering attitude to bring up his peers around him. Watson has led his team to great success, and this success has uplifted the attitude and expectations of the Clemson fan base. So, referring back to the first quote by Watson, we have been legendary … we have set a new standard.
