Christian Watson, the towering 6-foot-4 wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, knows this all too well. Drafted 34th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson’s career has been as electrifying as it has been marred by physical setbacks. With 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns over two seasons, his potential is undeniable, yet a pesky hamstring issue has seen him sidelined for 11 crucial games.
Christian Watson Equalizing Strength to Sidestep Injuries
Post the 2023 season, Watson embarked on a novel journey towards achieving symmetry and strength in his legs. Teaming up with specialists from Badger Athletic Performance, Watson and his teammate Eric Stokes delved into the intricacies of their physical imbalances through detailed body scans and tests.
The revelation was clear: Watson’s right leg lagged slightly behind in strength, leading to overcompensation, fatigue, and ultimately, injury. When you’re trying to be equal in power, it puts a lot more stress on the one that’s not as strong.
That’s been the No. 1 thing for me because that leads to fatigue, as well. It’s a bad place to be, so obviously that’s been my No. 1 goal to just kind of eliminate that,” Watson candidly shared about his findings.
NordBord’s Role in Christian Watson’s Regimen
In pursuit of his goal to mitigate asymmetry, Watson has turned to an innovative piece of technology called the NordBord. This device isn’t just a tool; for Watson, it’s a weekly highlight. It provides detailed feedback on the power outputs and balances between his legs, allowing him to track improvements and set precise targets.
Honestly, that’s my favorite part of the week, just going in there and getting to see that we’ve knocked off 4, 5, 6 percent of that asymmetry every week. I still have a goal to get to. I want to be perfectly symmetrical, so I’ll continue to work on that,” he enthused.
This focus on hamstring health is not just about player fitness but also aligns with broader research initiatives. A $4 million grant from the NFL’s Scientific Advisory Board to UW-Madison in 2021 underscores the commitment to advancing our understanding and prevention of hamstring injuries, a common yet debilitating issue in the NFL.
Promising Future for Christian Watson and Green Bay Packers
As training camp approaches, the mood in the Packers’ camp is one of optimism. The added emphasis on injury prevention could very well be the game-changer Watson needs to unlock his full potential and consistently contribute to his team’s success.
For Watson, Stokes, and the Packers, the upcoming season holds promise, bolstered by cutting-edge science and a resolve to overcome the physical demands of professional football.
In a league where every second counts and every play could be the difference between victory and defeat, Christian Watson’s tech-aided quest for balance and strength isn’t just about personal milestones—it’s about setting a new standard for athlete care and performance.
