As much as NFL players want to compete, it’s undeniable that there is often mutual respect among them for each other’s skills. Sunday’s game between Jacksonville and Indianapolis provided one of the best examples of that.
Before kickoff between the Jags and the Colts, Indy running back Nyheim Hines spotted Jags receiver Tavon Austin on the sidelines. Austin was one of the best playmakers in the country when he was in college at West Virginia, and he is apparently one of Hines football idols.
In a video clip from the first episode of “Hard Knock in Season,” Hines is seen asking Colts assistants on the sideline if it was Austin that was wearing No. 7.
“I’m about to get a jersey from him,” Hines told one of them. “I used to watch his West Virginia highlights every day. Every day.
“I’m gonna try not to fangirl,” he told another. “That’s my dog.”
Eventually, Hines worked up the confidence to approach Austin.
“I ain’t gonna lie to you, man,” Hines told him. “Look, I gotta dap you up man, you a GOAT, bro. Watch your highlights every day.”
Austin responded with some veteran advice for the young running back.
“Appreciate it, bro,” Austin said. “Protect the ball, bro. Keep your arms tight, baby. Protect your arms, keep your arms tight. Get some money.”
Even after the encounter, Hines seemed to still be in disbelief.
“That is him,” he said. “He’s bigger than I thought he was, though. Yeah, come on. I almost fainted.”
Tavon Austin has some of the best college highlights. #Colts RB Nyheim Hines couldn’t believe that he got to meet him last week.
This is awesome.
(via NFL IG) pic.twitter.com/wpUlFqAF6l
— Ari Meirov (@AriMeirov) November 18, 2021
It was a cool moment to see between two competitors before the game, though it’s currently unclear if Hines ever got that jersey.
