NFL superstar J.J. Watt lauds Cole Caufield

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt isn't shy about expressing his love about hockey.

A native of Wisconsin, Watt grew up playing hockey and attending University of Wisconsin games while playing football for the school, and has maintained his fandom in the midst of becoming one of the top players in the NFL at his position. 

"Growing up in Wisconsin, a big hockey state, I started skating when I was 3 years old. I played all over," Watt told NHL.com in 2013. "The hockey community [in Wisconsin] is great. It's very tight-knit. It's a lot of fun. You have to be tough to play hockey. You have to work hard, and I think that's why I was drawn to it."

Of course, another notable alum of the Wisconsin Badgers is none other than Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield, whom Watt revealed himself to be a fan of.

“Obviously, I watched him at Wisconsin (University),” Watt told to Sportsnet on Wednesday prior to Montreal taking on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their third-round Stanley Cup Playoff series. “I’m a Badger myself. “Him growing up in Stevens Point and me being a Badger and watching their run here in the Big 10 tournament in the NCAAs. I became a Caulfield fan.

“When I saw he wasn’t playing, I sent off a simple little tweet saying ‘the series could use a little Caufield.’ They were down 0-2 at the time. I’m not saying I’m a fortune-teller of any kind or anything, but they’ve been doing all right since.”

“I can’t say I was a full blown fan (of the Habs) beforehand. I’m not going to lie to anyone here… I’m not going to pick sides (between Toronto or Montreal) but I’m a massive Caufield fan.”

Watt also is a notable fan of the introductions at T-Mobile Arena which have drawn national attention for their elaborate nature (Hey, it's in Vegas after all - it wouldn't be Vegas if it wasn't elaborate!)

We certainly agree, J.J.!