Often at major college football programs, there is a perception that players devote their time squarely on their craft and show little interest for anything else.
For recently graduated tight end Asa Watson, that certainly isn’t true.
Watson was honored at the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans, along with a host of other college football players from around the country, as part of the Allstate Good Works Team selected by the American Football Coaches Association. The association honored players who demonstrated outstanding examples of community service.
“I wasn’t really expecting it,” Watson said. “So I definitely felt very honored.”
The 6’ 3”, 237-pound native of Rock Hill, S.C. almost saw his career end with a heart problem in 2011, but recovered to post his best career season in 2012 with 24 catches for 282 yards. He caught a touchdown pass in a 37-6 win over Wake Forest on Nov. 10, 2012.
He did his service through Athletes in Action, a nationwide sports ministry which blends faith and athletics. Many prominent athletes and coaches have been associated with this ministry, including Wolfpack head men’s basketball coach, Mark Gottfried.
Watson is not the only Triangle-area player to receive the honor. Duke senior guard Dave Harding was also selected, along with senior quarterback Jordan Reid of North Carolina Central University. Senior quarterback Stephen Morris of Miami was the other ACC player honored.
In total, 22 college football players, each from a different school across all NCAA divisions, were honored. There was one all-Football Bowl Subdivision team of 11, and comprised of 11 players from the Football Championship Subdivision and Divisions II and III.
Watson traveled to Los Angeles and took part in a youth football clinic. He also helped tutor children at a YMCA.
In New Orleans, Watson and the rest of the group were recognized on the field, one by one, at halftime of the Sugar Bowl between Alabama and Oklahoma. Before that, they put on another youth football clinic.
“This clinic was for kids from seven to 15 years old.” Watson said. “It was a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work.”
“We got a chance to go out on the town for New Year’s,” Watson said. “I enjoyed seeing Bourbon Street all lit up.”
Watson is aiming to eliminate the stereotype that college football players are self-centered people who often find themselves on the wrong side of situations.
“So many times you hear about a player who got in trouble. Somebody did this, somebody did that,” Watson said. “That’s why it’s great to see a lot of guys being honored for something positive like this.”
Watson said that helping others is something that he will continue to make a point in his life.
“I’d definitely be interested in pursuing something like that down the road,” Watson said. “But right now, I’ve got to focus on football, as well. I’m still trying to figure out what to do later in life.”
