Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins makes it clear that winning is his priority

After winning Super Bowl LIV, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins gave an interview Bleacher Report’s Ty Dunne, and said he “will not play third or fourth fiddle on this team.”

The veteran pass-catcher made headlines by expressing how overwhelmed he was about the lack of marketing in which the Chiefs had involved him – and said “it will be World War III” if the team does not “do well by him” in the coming season. Watkins also promised not to take a pay cut.

But in the time between the interview and the article to be published in May, Watkins agreed to a restructured contract that would allow the Chiefs to re-sign other key players to the team.

He spoke to reporters on Sunday, reflecting on the major financial decision.

“I think I made enough money,” Watkins admitted. ‘I would like to earn more money, but what was wrong and trained me in this team, knowing that you have to pay Pat [Mahomes], you have to pay Chris [Jones], you have a lot of guys you have to pay. ”

His salary was not the only aspect of his career where he now appeared to reverse his attitude. After a short day dreaming of “building a Super Bowl winner as The Guy somewhere else, ‘Watkins said he wanted to win in Kansas City.

“[It was] very important to stay here. For what we did with winning the Super Bowl – and the type of team, coaches and organization we have – why should I not stay? He asked reporters.

He then explained more about his earlier comments on individual success.

“I think every receiver wants out and does it well,” Watkins said. “Score touchdowns, catch as many balls as you can, pick up the yards. And like myself, I want those kinds of things. Now should I be angry or angry at the guys who go out? No, I love my boys. I love having boys play ball, and it’s my job and duty to serve others just as they serve me. ”

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He had the full support of head coach Andy Reid in his drive for increased production.

“I’m a big Sammy Watkins fan.” Reid insisted. ‘I think he’s a lot of a footballer. He’s really helping to make this thing go, offensively … I would hope he wants the ball more. That’s what great players want. That, it does not bother me that he said that. I’m glad he’s back here, and that he will have chances for sure. ”

There are only so many passes that can be thrown in a season. Deciding how to distribute these can be tricky when two of the All-Pros team receivers are in their position – and anyone else can make a big play at any moment. Watkins understands that – and even showed sympathy for his coaches.

‘You would love those numbers, like all those touchdowns, but you have to be realistic with yourself and say we have seven superstars about one crime. I just think it’s hard for the coaches; it’s not difficult for me. ”

Among those seven superstars are most of his wide receiver teams. Known for her off-the-field shenanigans as well as her on-field play, Watkins talked about the ways teammates like receivers Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, and Demarcus Robinson have positively impacted his life.

“When I came in, those guys were very tight, close – and I was a guy who was pretty quiet and quiet,” Watkins admitted. ‘But once I’m here, those guys make me feel younger, make me dance, make me pop jokes and stuff like that – so it opened me up to it. It’s good to have a group of guys like you in the closet to be more yourself. “

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The closeness of the group is absolutely one of the reasons for the unity’s success – and going beyond 2020, its continuity is one of the biggest reasons for optimism. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke about the importance of keeping Watkins in the offense.

“He does so many things well,” Mahomes, in turn, told reporters on Sunday. “[He] of course grabs the ball well, scores for us, makes a lot of plays after contact. But also blocking, running hard to get other guys open. In this offense, it takes every person – and I think you saw that in the playoffs. When his number was mentioned, he made great plays. It’s a man we would love to have back. ‘

The postseason is where Watkins has shone in both of his seasons of Kansas City. He averaged 93 receiving yards per postseason game during his Chiefs career, and sealed the deal at the franchise’s first AFC championship last year with a 60-yard touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans.

But above all other plays, it was the 38-yard catch and run past San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman with less than four minutes left in Super Bowl LIV that Watkins will remember the most. He ranked the play among his career memories.

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“Number one,” he explained. “Just to do it on stage – and the timing of that game. To put it bluntly I think probably one of the top 10 corners, a Hall of Fame, it’s definitely one for the memory bank. My family, friends [and] fans, they always remind me that it’s one of the game’s greatest plays. So I can always take that with me. ”

With good teammates, good memories and good vibes from the organization, Watkins left nothing to interpretation. He is excited to complete the Chiefs’ Run it back tour – and feels good about where he is.

“This is my lucky place,” he said, “so why not take a smaller contract and come out here and play with the boys I’ve played with?”