Trevor Lawrence addresses criticism, Wants to maximize potential

Earlier today, the presumed No. 1 overall pick in this month’s draft, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, released a statement regarding his quotes made to Sports Illustrated last week regarding his motivation, something that has simply been blown out of proportion.

Lawrence would post his response on Twitter:

It seems as if people are misreading my sentiment. I am internally motivated - I love football as much or more than anyone. It is a HUGE priority in my life, obviously. I am driven to be the best I can be, and to maximize my potential. And to WIN.

I have a lot of confidence in my work ethic, I love to grind and to chase my goals. You can ask anyone who has been in my life. That being said, I am secure in who I am, and what I believe. I don’t need football to make me feel worthy as a person. I purely love the game and everything that comes with it. The work, the team, the ups and downs. I am a firm believer in the fact that there is a plan for my life and I’m called to be the best I can be at whatever I am doing.

Thanks for coming to my TedTalk lol.

His potential future teammate, Jaguars wide receiver Marvin Jones would soon after post a reaction on Twitter, too. Stating in Spanish, “ Wise beyond his years ...”

What prompted Lawrence’s response was due to an interview that in which Lawrence stated that he doesn’t play with a “huge chip” on his shoulder.

“It’s hard to explain that because I want people to know that I’m passionate about what I do and it’s really important to me, but . . . I don’t have this huge chip on my shoulder, that everyone’s out to get me and I’m trying to prove everybody wrong,” he said to SI’s Michael Rosenberg. “I just don’t have that. I can’t manufacture that. I don’t want to.”

Lawrence’s statements have been fine. And he certainly didn’t need to respond to the criticism in the first place. In the column, Rosenberg stated that Lawrence knew his words would be twisted and used against him, however, he wasn’t worried about it.

During Lawrence’s entire career from high school onwards, he has been looked at as one of the best quarterbacks to come out in a long time, perhaps since Andrew Luck in 2012. His weaknesses are rarely highlighted as, quite frankly, there are few. There doesn’t need to be a chip on his shoulder, outside motivation for his performance simply isn’t a reality.

While what Lawrence initially said certainly raised eyebrows, a key part of the interview with Rosenberg has been quickly omitted to fit into a narrative that can only be explained by draft fatigue.

When speaking to his former high school coach at Cartersville, Joey King, Lawrence was asked what his goals are, what he would like to accomplish. He would casually tell King just one thing: “Coach, I just want to be the best that’s ever done it.” The two never spoke a word of his motivation or goals after that, according to Rosenberg.

Simply put, football doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all of a given athlete’s life. While it is a job and a duty to perform to the best of their abilities, it does not have to be as outwards as others make it out to be. Lawrence stated that he is “internally motivated,” and who ought to question him otherwise?

During his time at Clemson, Lawrence went an impressive 34-2, his competitive nature ought not to be questioned following three-straight College Football Playoff appearances, including two National Championship appearances. He would win a National Championship during his freshman season in 2018.

Lawrence has been on the top of his game seemingly since he picked up a football. While he may not give off the personality of other players in the league, what he has been doing has worked, why stop now?