J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt: Jameis Winston a 'smart rookie' for complimenting him

Published Sep. 24, 2015 12:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

Shortly after being taken with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jameis Winston said the player he was most looking forward to facing in the NFL was Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, explaining it would be "fun."

Sunday, he'll get his wish as the Buccaneers face to Houston in a Week 3 matchup.

"It's amazing as a true football fan to play against the best players in the game or the best players I've been seeing since I've been growing up," Winston said Wednesday, per ESPN.

"I have tremendous confidence. But it's still a privilege for me just thinking like a kid, not even thinking about going against him. I'm just like, 'Wow, we get to play J.J. Watt.'"

Watt, when told of Winston's compliment, seemed pleased.

“That’s a smart rookie,” Watt said, per the Houston Chronicle. “Saying the right thing.”

While Winston is looking forward to going up against Watt, Tampa Bay right tackle Gosder Cherilus, who has played against the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year five times in his career, said he doesn't share in the excitement.

"I wish he didn't say that," Cherilus said.

We'll find out Sunday whether Winston has a different view after meeting Watt in person.

(h/t ESPN)

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