The Will Levis worries may be going too far for some.
J.J. Watt spoke out about the unfair scrutiny rookies face, even at OTAs in late May, a day after Levis’ Titans struggles became a national talking point.
“‘Rookie has rough practice in his first week of OTAs.’ Yeah, that’s called being a rookie. It’s called first week of OTAs,” Watt said Thursday in a video posted on Twitter.
“I had rough practices every single year in my 12 years. I’ve had rough games. I’ve had multiple rough games. S–t’s hard. It’s the National Football League.”
Watt did not specifically mention Levis – however, the timing of the post would suggest that was the source of his frustration.
Levis has faced plenty of extra attention since he fell out of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in April, when cameras closely chronicled his wait in the green room during the ordeal.
The 23-year-old candidly discussed the off-day, which included one viral moment that NFL fans had fun with.
“I know I have more opportunities tomorrow and the next day, so I’m not going to beat myself up,” Levis said afterward, according to ESPN.com.
“High standards is the name of the game. It’s not to beat yourself up. It’s to motivate you to go out there and perform to the best of your ability.”
Watt, 34, retired in December after 12 NFL seasons and is expected to move on to a job in television broadcasting.
“I understand, this is a business. We’re paid millions of dollars, and you expect greatness right out of the gate out of every single guy, and you’re going to say, ‘Suck it up and deal with it.’ But let’s let guys develop,” Watt said Thursday.
“Let’s let guys get some practices under their belt. Let’s let guys get into the league. Let’s let them grow as a player. Let’s let them get some NFL coaching. We don’t need to be sh—ing all over guys on their first week of practice in the National Football League. Just let them grow.”
Levis should have time to develop on the field.
The Kentucky star is likely to play behind veteran Ryan Tannehill in his rookie season after he was taken with the second pick of the second round (33rd overall) by Tennessee.
“A rookie QB had a ‘rough day’ at practice…at an OTA…and we have (clowns) saying ‘see…I told you he sucked.’ SMFH,” former NFL exec and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick wrote on Twitter.
Warning: Graphic Language
The overreactions go both ways, however, as other rookie quarterbacks have received praise from the press.
Bryce Young, who went No. 1 to the Panthers, displayed sharp throws this week.
C.J. Stroud, who was taken No. 2 by the Texans, was described as “way ahead of pace.”
“The sky is the limit” for Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick of the Colts.
Those first-rounders will have bad headlines, too. The NFL media circus demands it.