Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins was able to add a Super Bowl ring to the trophy case this offseason. It is safe to say that he has come a long way since his days with the Buffalo Bills.
Watkins had arrived in Buffalo with plenty of hype as the fourth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft before his unceremonious departure prior to the 2017 campaign. According to Bleacher Report's Tyler Dunne, Watkins admits he was rather active in the party scene during that time:
“I would go out and get wasted,” he says. “Wasted wasted.”
Watkins' revelation is telling of all the temptation that comes with being a household name at 21 years old. He clearly took advantage of all the newfound fame and fortune that came with being a former college football star, and it ultimately took its toll.
Despite the partying, Watkins still managed to break the Bills rookie record for receptions (65) and receiving yards (982) to go along with his six touchdown receptions. He followed it up with a career year by hauling in career-highs in both yards (1,047) and touchdowns (9). Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just eight games in his final season with the Bills, and they opted to trade him to the Los Angeles Rams prior to the 2017 campaign.
Watkins' story serves as a cautionary tale for incoming rookies trying to make waves both on and off the field. Although he was able to bounce back with a Super Bowl-winning team, there are countless other players that found themselves out of the league before they were ready due to bad habits.
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