Trevor Lawrence, Amari Rodgers scoff at notion that Lawrence is not motivated before NFL draft

Much has been made in recent days about former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s statement during a Sports Illustrated interview that he doesn’t play with “this huge chip” on his shoulder.

Some members of the media have interpreted that to mean that Lawrence doesn’t possess an ingredient that some regard as integral to success as an NFL quarterback.

But both Lawrence and former teammate Amari Rodgers refuted that contention on Saturday – Lawrence via Twitter and Rodgers via an interview during his football camp in downtown Greenville.

“It seems as if people are misreading my sentiment,” Lawrence posted on his Twitter account. “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.

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“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 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.”

Lawrence, who guided Clemson to the 2018 national championship and was the 2020 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, is expected to the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft later this month.

Meanwhile, Rodgers on Saturday scoffed at the notion that Lawrence doesn’t possess the required motivation for pro success.

“He’s been the No. 1 player his whole life, so he’s never had that chip on his shoulder,” Rodgers said. “That’s what he expects from himself. He expects to be the best every time he steps on the field.

“He expects to compete at the utmost power that he has and that’s what he’s done ever since high school. So that’s really all he’s saying. …he has that confidence and he believes in himself like he does. That’s what he’s going to keep proving in the league so I’m excited for it.”

Rodgers, who was Lawrence favorite target last season, was an All-ACC receiver who also is expected to be highly regarded in the NFL Draft.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Trevor Lawrence, Amari Rodgers scoff at notion QB is not motivated