After spending seven years with the Seattle Seahawks since being drafted out of Stanford in 2011, three-time All-Pro Richard Sherman embarks on the next chapter of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.
Sherman joins a team on the rise in the NFL with a promising franchise quarterback leading the way in Jimmy Garoppolo. The one-time Super Bowl will add veteran experience and leadership to a team in need of such qualities with their sights set on joining the playoff conversation in the NFC next season.
Along with signing with the 49ers and starting fresh in the Bay Area, Sherman continues his partnership with BodyArmor as one of a handful of prominent current and former professional athletes to endorse the sports drink like Kobe Bryant, Mike Trout, Andrew Luck, and James Harden.
The 30-year-old has invested in the company since 2014 and recently spoke with ClutchPoints about BodyArmor's SportWater campaign as well as many different topics including surgery rehab, Garoppolo, Seahawks, quarterbacks he enjoys facing, and his beloved Los Angeles Lakers.
https://youtu.be/qZ9mSohcd6w
Ryan Ward: Why did you choose to invest in BodyArmor?
Richard Sherman: I understood the sports drink industry was dominated by Gatorade and Powerade to some degree. They didn't have a ton of competitors, and BodyArmor offered all-natural flavors, and I think that's something that the market needed. I think we're oversaturated with artificial ingredients.
People are tired of red dye this and blue dye that, etcetera, etcetera. BodyArmor offers an incredible alternative.
What sets it apart from all the others?
RS: Natural ingredients. Coconut water. Potassium. Those are the things that set BodyArmor apart from the others.
Tell us a bit about the new BodyArmor SportWater campaign.
RS: Well, obviously, BodyArmor wants to dominate the market. They want to make sure we're all-inclusive. We have something for every consumer. SportWater campaign is just making sure we do that.
Obviously, we have the low-calorie water for people who are watching their caloric intake and watching the amount of sugar they put in their bodies. It's the brand trying to make sure they've got something up there for everyone. People who just want SportWater. People who just want water with electrolytes. There's something out there for everyone.
How is your surgery rehab going? When do you think you'll be on the field for the 49ers?
RS: It's going fantastic. I'll back on the field now. I can backpedal, ladders, and things like that. I'm running on a treadmill. I'll be back running on the field on May 20.
What differences have you seen in Jimmy Garoppolo in comparison to Russell Wilson?
RS: He's a great guy. He's competitor. He's a great team guy. He's encouraging everybody. Just being one of the guys. I haven't seen him on the field much outside of what he did last year. He did a great job.
The 49ers play the Seahawks twice in three weeks late in the upcoming season. Have you circled those dates are your calendar?
RS: Yeah, I don't circle those dates. I take it one week at a time. I'll get to those games when I get there.
If the Legion of Boom stayed together and Marshawn Lynch didn't leave, do you believe your team could've gone on to win multiple Super Bowls?
RS: I have no idea. They didn't keep it together. It didn't work out that way, so I don't really dwell on it.
Who is your favorite quarterback to go up against in the NFL? Is there anyone you look forward to facing?
RS: I enjoy the challenge of ARod [Aaron Rodgers] and Tom [Brady]. They're fun to go against. It'll be fun going against Kirk [Cousins]. He's got a great arm and always challenged us.
What do you think of all the talented quarterbacks coming into the NFL this year through the draft? Has any player caught your eye?
RS: I don't really judge players until they play in our league. Good or bad. What you did in college doesn't mean much in this league. If you can go up and play at a high level, consider me impressed.
You're a Los Angeles Lakers, right? Where did that Lakers fandom come from? Did you grow up being a Lakers fan?
RS: I am. Yeah. I'm from L.A.
What do you think of the current Lakers squad?
RS: I like it. We have nice young pieces. I'm a huge Kyle Kuzma fan. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do this summer.
Who do you want the Lakers to sign this summer?
RS: I don't know. I guess whoever the front office thinks is the best fit. I don't really mind. I think if it's best for our team then that's what they have to do moving forward that's for sure.
Kobe Bryant or LeBron James? Who's got the better legacy right now?
RS: Kobe. I'm a Lakers fan.