Podcast Summary: Richard Sherman Podcast - Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson on Kansas City Going for Super Bowl THREE-PEAT vs. Eagles

Release Date: February 5, 2025
Platform: The Herd with Colin Cowherd, iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction and Journey to the Chiefs

[02:19] Richard Sherman:
"Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast and I'm excited as I can be. Hey brother, it's been a long time coming. I've been a big fan of your game. Late round draft. Well, you was in the seventh. I thought I was doing bad when I went in the fifth, but you went in the seventh and you've made the best of it. You've been incredible since you got there. Tell me, how has that journey been?"

Jaylen Watson:
"If you told me four or five years ago, I'd be here today, I tell you, you was lying. I just, you know, put one foot in front of the other and just, you know, each day try to take advantage of every opportunity I was given. You know, draft day was tough, seeing all these people getting drafted in front of you. But I had an opportunity, and I just tried to make the most of it."

Jaylen shares his experience of being drafted in the seventh round by the Kansas City Chiefs, contrasting it with Richard Sherman's own fifth-round selection. He highlights his resilience and determination to seize every opportunity, emphasizing how unexpected his rise in the NFL has been.

Draft Day Experiences

[03:18] Richard Sherman:
"Talk me through. Because your journey is so unusual, so different, you know? And I guess it's not unusual because, you know, the NFL is full of special people like yourself. But you went from your high school where you were a man, then you go, J.C. yep. Then you get to college and ball out. But then you get drafted seventh round to walk me through draft day."

Jaylen Watson:
"I kind of figured I was. I thought I was going probably early 5th, but I was looking at all the corners. I was just waiting on Tariq to get drafted, and then KC finally popped up and they drafted me. It worked out perfect."

The conversation delves into the anxieties and expectations surrounding draft day. Jaylen recounts his anticipation of being drafted in the early rounds and his surprise and gratitude when the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round, aligning his path with teammate Trent.

First Impressions and Earning Trust

[05:17] Richard Sherman:
"When you got there, you must have made a big first impression. Cause you're a seventh rounder, you know how this league go... you must have been out there scrapping."

Jaylen Watson:
"I was always in the film room making sure I knew what to do. As my time came up, I took advantage of it and played fast and not hesitant. Being a quarterback helped me reroute concepts and understand offensive strategies."

Jaylen discusses the importance of perseverance, dedication in the film room, and his proactive approach to learning the defensive playbook. His background as a quarterback provided him with a unique perspective, aiding his transition to cornerback.

Transition to Cornerback Role

[06:27] Richard Sherman:
"What made you make the transition? You made it at Washington State, obviously, but what was going through your mind, you know, why not safety?"

Jaylen Watson:
"I think corner allows me to control my destiny the most out of any other position. So I just chose that route."

[06:44] Richard Sherman:
"I've said the exact same words out of my mouth. That's why I switched from receiver..."

Both Sherman and Watson discuss their strategic decisions to play cornerback over other positions, emphasizing control, responsibility, and the ability to influence the game directly.

Success with the Chiefs and Team Culture

[07:27] Jaylen Watson:
"I don't think anyone thought we would be here, but it's a blessing. I enjoy every single moment, every single practice, spending it with these great guys in the locker room. It's a great organization, top to bottom."

[07:44] Richard Sherman:
"Y'all had some dynamic players like Lujarius Sneed. Is this something in Kansas City where they tell y'all to wear certain numbers and gear up a certain way?"

Jaylen Watson:
"It was crazy. Last year it was 36 corners drafted, and I was the 35th out of 36 drafted. People always ask why I'm number 35. It just happened."

Jaylen expresses his admiration for the Chiefs' organizational culture, highlighting the camaraderie and high standards set by coaches and teammates. The discussion touches on the unique aspects of the team environment that foster success.

Overcoming Injury and Playoff Preparations

[18:11] Richard Sherman:
"You got injured this year against San Francisco, broke your fibula. How did you manage to come back and prepare for the playoffs?"

Jaylen Watson:
"I couldn't do none of it without God. I was in a very depressed state and started relying more on my faith. I worked hard every day to recover, coming back two months earlier than expected. With Coach Spags and Merritt, our corners coach, I had to prove myself in practice."

Jaylen discusses his battle with injury, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and the support from his faith and coaching staff that facilitated his remarkable recovery and return to form.

Relationship with Coach Shannon (Spags) and Defensive Strategy

[09:49] Jaylen Watson:
"Spags is a great leader. He knows how to get everyone locked in, playing as one team. He instills confidence in me, allowing me to press every play and make impactful passes."

[10:50] Richard Sherman:
"Your first pick in the NFL was a 99-yard pick-six. You can't forget that day."

Jaylen Watson:
"Yeah, you can't never forget that day."

The bond between Jaylen and Coach Shannon Sharpe ("Spags") is evident as they discuss the defensive strategies and the trust placed in players. Jaylen credits Spags for his leadership and the defensive unit's cohesion.

Techniques and Challenges in Super Bowl Preparations

[14:44] Jaylen Watson:
"No, it was you and Jalen Ramsey. That's my favorite two."

[14:49] Richard Sherman:
"Press is such an art. Your step kick is smooth and patient. In our first game against the Chargers, you were a rookie and played impressively."

Jaylen Watson:
"Growing up, I was always confident. Being a seventh-round draft pick fueled me to prove everyone wrong. I use my confidence and drive to compete against the best."

They delve into the technical aspects of playing cornerback, especially the press technique. Jaylen emphasizes his natural confidence and how it translates into his gameplay, allowing him to excel despite being a late-round pick.

Building a Close-Knit Defensive Unit

[20:53] Jaylen Watson:
"Everyone's just so close-knit. It's literally a brotherhood. The Fab Five with Josh, NJ, Trent, Cook, Jay Reed, and Deion Bush all came in the same year. We support each other and play as one unit."

[25:53] Jaylen Watson:
"We have one of the best quarterbacks ever, and we're known as a defensive team. We always know we have a chance to win."

Jaylen highlights the strong relationships within the defensive unit, fostering a supportive and unified team environment. The mutual trust and camaraderie are credited as key factors in the team's sustained success.

Handling High-Pressure Situations

[26:20] Richard Sherman:
"The last play, the pressure... What were you thinking during that critical moment?"

Jaylen Watson:
"It was a TV timeout. Nick is the brains of the defense. I trusted our call. We executed perfectly, and fortunately, we secured the win."

They discuss specific high-pressure moments during games, emphasizing strategic decision-making and trust in the coaching staff's calls. Jaylen illustrates his composure and reliance on team strategy during critical plays.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

[32:20] Richard Sherman:
"Respect and love and good luck on your third Super Bowl, brother. I hope you ball out. I hope you get defensive MVP."

Jaylen Watson:
"Yeah, that'd be great. Appreciate you for having me."

The conversation concludes with mutual respect and well-wishes for the upcoming Super Bowl. Jaylen expresses gratitude for the opportunity and support from Sherman.

Notable Quotes

• Jaylen Watson [02:19]:
  "If you told me four or five years ago, I'd be here today... I just tried to make the most of every opportunity."

• Jaylen Watson [05:17]:
  "I was always in the film room making sure I knew what to do... Being a quarterback helped me reroute concepts."

• Jaylen Watson [16:54]:
  "I couldn't do none of it without God. I was in a very depressed state and started relying more on my faith."

• Jaylen Watson [20:53]:
  "It's literally a brotherhood. We support each other and play as one unit."

• Jaylen Watson [25:53]:
  "We have one of the best quarterbacks ever, and we're known as a defensive team. We always know we have a chance to win."

Conclusions and Insights

In this episode, Richard Sherman engages in an in-depth conversation with Jaylen Watson, a standout cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Jaylen's journey from a seventh-round draft pick to a key player in a team pursuing its third consecutive Super Bowl title is both inspirational and instructive. He attributes his success to relentless hard work, strategic learning, unwavering confidence, and a strong support system within the team.

Jaylen's resilience in overcoming injuries and his ability to quickly return to peak performance showcase his dedication and mental fortitude. His relationship with Coach Shannon Sharpe and the cohesive team culture of the Chiefs underline the importance of leadership and unity in achieving high-level sports success.

The discussion also touches on the technical aspects of playing cornerback, the significance of trust in team strategies during high-pressure moments, and the value of brotherhood within a defensive unit. Jaylen's insights provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of what it takes to excel in the NFL, especially as a late-round draft pick.

Overall, this episode serves as a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, offering valuable lessons for athletes and enthusiasts alike.