Dawson trades bravado for humble approach as he begins NFL career

Published May. 6, 2015 12:15 p.m. ET

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Third-round draft pick Paul Dawson received his first lesson in how to be a pro from his college football coach.

"We talked [Monday] and he was like, ‘Don’t boast and brag too much. It’s better to understate and overplay.’ That’s the mantra I’ll go with,” Dawson said Tuesday during a press conference at TCU. "I’m just going to go there with my head down and work, and I’m going to do whatever they ask me to do."

Those words must be music to the ears of the Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff. The Bengals picked the TCU linebacker and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year with the final pick of the third round of the NFL draft. 

Dawson's talent and drive have never been questioned, but his overblown swagger and ability to adhere to the rigid, disciplined nature of the NFL, has. He hopes he's putting those issues to bed before he ever dons his Bengals No. 47 jersey.

Dawson will have at least one teammate keeping close watch over him, former Horned Frogs quarterback Andy Dalton, a model of professionalism.

"We’re just ready to work," Dawson said. "We’re just ready to win. We’re ready to win Super Bowls. That’s what we’re about. That’s what Frogs are about."

(h/t Star-Telegram)

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

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