As the 2015 NFL season approaches, plenty of second year players are chomping at the bit to build upon their first year stardom. While Odell Beckham Jr. continues to dominate the headlines, there is another stellar wideout within the same state that will certainly help the new look Buffalo Bills regain their previous prominence and that’s Sammy Watkins.
With his blend of speed and tenacity at the point of attack, Watkins continues to impress those around the league as the 2014 draft class may have produced the best crop of young receivers in recent memory. Nonetheless, we spoke with Watkins who looks poised to be the face of adidas Football, on his thoughts leading up to this upcoming season and his favorite kicks as well.
To see for yourself, check out this latest edition of Gridiron Kicks Spotlight.
Nice Kicks: Starting things off, what drove you to adidas upon entering the 2014 NFL Draft?
Sammy Watkins: Well, I just wanted a changed. I had been wearing Nike stuff my entire life, and I felt as though adidas was the fastest cleats on the field. They were light and they have incredible sportswear that I can wear everyday. Lastly and mostly importantly, they treat me well as a person.
Nice Kicks: You had an incredible rookie season and now adidas is really placing you at the forefront of their brand and making your presence be known. Is it still a surreal feeling for you?
Sammy Watkins: Yeah, it’s great. It just motivates me to know that I can keep going higher and maybe get my own cleat or shoe someday. Those things really inspire me to have a great season and career because that will continue to help me off the field in regards to branding myself.
Nice Kicks: You spoke briefly on wanting your own signature sneaker, is that something you dream about dearly?
Sammy Watkins: Oh definitely, every football player would want and wish for their own signature shoe. It doesn’t happen often, but if you’re blessed enough to have a great career then having your own cleat would certainly be a dream com true.
Nice Kicks: What are some of your favorite off-the-field models that you enjoy rocking?
Sammy Watkins: I really don’t wear my Yeezys around too much, you don’t want those to get dirty. But I certainly enjoy the Boost silhouettes that adidas provides. Also, the adidas Originals collaboration with Pharrell is something I’ve enjoyed as well, along with the Snoop collaborations also. There are so many different pair of shoes to choose from, it’s just great.
Nice Kicks: In regards to the upcoming season, what cleats are you looking forward to rocking?
Sammy Watkins: I’m preparing to get fined a couple of times this year. Last year I didn’t get fined at all. I’ve already told my mom and a couple of coaches my intentions because I wanna do some crazy colors with my cleats. Whether that’s all-red, all-blue, all-white and red; just something crazy with my name on it. Hopefully I just don’t get fined too bad.
Nice Kicks: Were you afraid of getting fined last season because we noticed you strictly stuck with the mostly black adizeros. Can you explain that a little more?
Sammy Watkins: At that time, I didn’t necessarily play well with the different motifs, so I just stuck with the black adizero 5-Star 3.0 cleat. Now I wear a variety of different cleats and colors.
Nice Kicks: Being an adidas athlete, has it been everything that you’ve dreamt of so far?
Sammy Watkins: Most definitely. They’re first class with everything from the hotels, to the meals and accommodations, along with the gear. They’re truly there for you whenever you need them, that’s why it’s kind of like a family. Whether you perform or not, they will still be there for you.
