JJ Watt – Dream Big, Work Hard

Dream Big, Work Hard.  Those four words define NFL player JJ Watt’s approach to life and his recipe for success on and off the field.  Although JJ is perhaps the best defensive player in the NFL he is just as focused on being the best human being he can be. His story is one of perseverance, heart and family.

Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin he was told that he was “too small and not big enough” to ever play professional football.  “There’s no way”, they said. Instead of letting the opinions of others bring him down, he used them to inspire himself.

He grew up learning to work while everyone else rested.  JJ would get up at 4:30 in the morning to work out each day.  He kept believing in himself, kept fighting and never gave up.   He also got great support from his parents, family and friends.

JJ’s story is not just one of achieving excellence in football, but in making a difference in the live’s of others.  Listen to this inspiring story (courtesy of NFL Characters Unite) of JJ supporting a young man who, like him, was told he would not be a football player.

Here is another awesome story showing a remarkable friendship that JJ has formed with 3 children who suffered a great tragedy.

Additional Resources:

• Here are some great IMK quotes about perseverance and hard work / doing your best
• Read and watch other great IMK stories about perseverance, football and sports
• Learn more about JJ Watt here on Wikipedia
• Check out JJ Watt’s foundation that supports after school sport programs

Topics for Discussion:

• What is most impressive to you about JJ Watt?
• What is perseverance?  What are ways you can show perseverance?
• Can you think of someone you know who demonstrates  perseverance?  How so?
• Describe a time when you have shown perseverance

Take Action:

• The next time you are doing something worthwhile that is hard and you feel like you want to quit…remember how people like JJ Watt stuck with their dreams.
• Practice perseverance in your everyday life.  Practice becomes habits and good habits change us for the better.
• Think about one thing in your life that could benefit from more perseverance.  Now…just do it!

Teacher Features:

• Here are some great teacher resources related to perseverance
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.