Why JJ Watt Would Make an Awesome Content Marketer

Dec 2014

“MVP! … MVP! … MVP! …”

That’s been the chant ringing throughout the stands at NRG Stadium every time a certain Houston Texans defensive end makes a big play.

And in the last few weeks of the 2014 season, we heard it a lot.

Picked 11th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL Draft, JJ Watt quickly emerged as one of those once-in-a-blue-moon players: a unique combination of boundless talent, an ironclad work ethic, and tremendous heart. That package took him all the way to back-to-back nods for Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and this year, his name is already being bandied about for Most Valuable Player (MVP) — the NFL’s top annual award to an individual player, traditionally reserved for elite quarterbacks.

As content marketers, we need to reap inspiration wherever we can find it, and if we take a closer look at JJ Watt, we can find a treasure trove of takeaways to make us better at what we do.

1. He never stops working

Back in September, Watt signed a record-making contract extension with the Texans — 6 years, $100 million. How did he celebrate? No, he didn’t hire a limo to take him and an “entourage” on a joyride tour of Houston strip clubs.

He did what JJ Watt does: He went to the gym.

Yes, Watt gets teased a lot by his teammates about his lack of anything resembling a personal life. Here’s what he has to say on that subject:

Every #NFL Rookie needs to read this and learn. Well said JJ Watt. pic.twitter.com/D3q4k2487F

— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) July 8, 2014

Takeaway for Content Marketers: When you get down to it, we content marketers have one job: to give our audience everything we’ve got, every day. (Tweet this)

2. He has fun … all the time

Sure, he’s one of the most intense players to ever hit the gridiron, but there’s a tremendous joy in everything JJ Watt does — whether that’s sacking quarterbacks, taking the stage with former First Lady Barbara Bush to read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” or showing off his Yuletide presents on Twitter:

Turbo Man, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots & a Weenie Whistle… Best family ever!!! #ItsTurboTime pic.twitter.com/DYiv2KU59p — JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 25, 2014

Takeaway for Content Marketers: Take joy in what you do. Your delight will shine through in your content, and your audience will feel it. (Tweet this)

3. He stretches himself

Watt began his football career on the offensive side of the ball, lining up as a tight end on his high school and early college teams. Rumor has it he relentlessly badgered former Texans coach Gary Kubiak to give him a chance in the position, but Kubiak wouldn’t hear of it.

Watt re-stated his case when new coach Bill O’Brien rode into town in 2014, and this time he got his chance. The result? Three offensive touchdowns, without missing a beat on his defensive day job.

Takeaway for Content Marketers: Don’t get comfortable. By all means, focus on what you do best, but always look for opportunities to stretch yourself. (Tweet this)

4. He’s the ultimate team player

When you see JJ Watt jumping around on the field, pumping his fist and slapping high-fives, one of two things has just happened: either he made a big play, or one of his teammates did.

When big things happen for the Houston Texans, JJ Watt is always first in line to celebrate, congratulate, and encourage. As ridiculously talented as he is, he’s always intensely aware of being one among many.

He also knows that playing as a team not only wins more football games — it’s also a helluva lot more fun.

Takeaway for Content Marketers: Embrace and celebrate the diverse collection of talents, skills, and perspectives on your team. It’s more fun that way. (Tweet this)

5. He gives back

Hailing from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Watt would ordinarily have precious little in common with anyone from Houston. But that didn’t stop him from embracing the town and its people — particularly Houston’s kids — with his signature enthusiasm.

Under the tagline “Dream Big, Work Hard,” the JJ Watt Foundation provides after-school athletic opportunities for children in both Wisconsin and Houston. Sure, Watt’s not the first or only superstar player to start a nonprofit organization for kids. But he’s one of few I’ve seen to pull over at a peewee football practice to give the team a pep talk:

Takeaway for Content Marketers: Find new and innovative ways to give back to your community, your audience, your partners, and your advocates. (Tweet this)

OK, your turn: which sports figures do you turn to for inspiration as a content marketers? Share your thoughts with us in the Comments — we’d love to hear from you!

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About the Author

A self-described geek who can recite entire episodes of South Park by heart, Rachel Parker has had a passion for content ever since she was old enough to hold a crayon (purple, please).

As Founder and CEO of Resonance, Rachel helps businesses publish content that connects with their audience … and converts those followers into customers. She’s also the host of the Content Marketing Podcast and a sought-after speaker, having presented to many major business and marketing organizations. Contact Rachel about speaking to your group or business.

7 Comments

Tom George says:

December 30, 2014 at 3:31 pm

Hi Rachel,

I hope your holiday season is going great! An amazing post. This is one of the most inspirational and motivational posts on content marketing I have read in a long time. Loving the new look on the site, and I have a question for you. I think it is great to add those little motivational sentences and allow people to re-tweet them, what do you use for that?
- Rachel Parker says:
  
  December 31, 2014 at 12:40 am
  
  Hi, Tom!
  
  So glad you enjoyed the post — I had a blast writing it! The app that I use for the “tweetable takeaways” is ClickToTweet.com. Love it!
Martin Lindeskog says:

January 5, 2015 at 11:40 am

Rachel: I am Pats fan, so I didn’t recognized the MVP, JJ Watt! 😉 Joking aside, I think it is important to understand that this great athlete doesn’t have to give something “back.” He hasn’t taken anything from anybody in the first place. When should we grasp the idea of the trader principle?
- Rachel Parker says:
  
  January 13, 2015 at 7:36 pm
  
  Hi Martin,
  
  Thanks for your comment — I’ll be looking for you on TV at the AFC Championship game in Foxborough this weekend! 🙂
  
  I use the phrase “give back” only in the figurative/karmic sense, in that those who enjoy great success, fame, money, etc. may choose to share the spoils of those blessings with their communities. At least I don’t think Mr. Watt has taken anything he needs to return … 🙂
Would your audience be willing to spend a “draft pick” on your content? | Internet Billboards says:

May 5, 2015 at 12:20 pm

[…] NFL sensation. And there are no guarantees. That pick they bet the farm on could bring the next J.J. Watt … or the next Ryan […]
Are You Writing for Search Engines … or for People? | Internet Billboards says:

September 29, 2015 at 11:57 am

[…] get those traffic numbers up … but that will have visitors hitting the Back button faster than J.J. Watt can smack down a […]
How to Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals for Your Content Marketing This Year | ContentMarketing says:

January 25, 2016 at 1:33 pm

[…] I’m a football gal myself, but I can appreciate Yogi’s wisdom, accidental though it may have […]

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