Keith Browner would know.
As a fellow defensive lineman, Browner is working to make it onto the Texans 53-man roster from the practice squad. The 6-4, 288-pound Browner, whom Watt refers to as "Brown Town," spent the past two preseasons practicing with, arguably, the best in the NFL at his position.
"The main guy I look up to is J.J. Watt because his work ethic is ridiculous," Browner said in an interview with Texans Radio. "He's just a working horse. It's like he never tires out. When I see him working, that makes me want to work harder because I say to myself all the time, 'Nobody can out-hustle me and nobody can work harder than I can.' So when I look at J.J., I try to compete with him and try and stay up there with him."
Watt, voted to the NFL Network's list of Top 100 Players this month by his peers, has openly discussed his single-minded focus while playing in the NFL. He won't be partaking in anything that hinders his performance or his physique.
Every #NFL Rookie needs to read this and learn. Well said JJ Watt. pic.twitter.com/D3q4k2487F — Ben Leber (@nacholeber) July 8, 2014
Browner is making the most of his opportunity to play alongside the two-time All-Pro. Browner has noticed his pursuit and pass rush have improved thanks to the paradox of hard work.
"The harder you work, the easier it gets in the game," Browner said.
The hard work doesn't end when the 26-year-old Browner walks off the field though. While he says he wouldn't admit as much to Watt, Browner studies his teammate's moves even after practice is over.
"After practice, I usually just look on our iPad and I just look at what he's doing, just rewinding and trying to imitate the same thing, trying to put my own twist to it," Browner said.
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