Danny Watkins
Danny William Watkins is a Canadian former professional football player who was an offensive guard in the National Football League.
Early life
Watkins' father, Todd, is a road grader. In high school, Watkins played rugby and hockey as a defenseman, but became the "designated goon" because of his size. He became a junior firefighter when he was 16 after visiting the West Kelowna Fire and Rescue squad.College career
Butte College
Watkins enrolled at Butte College to study fire sciences in order to become a firefighter after a year as a junior firefighter. The school's football coach recruited him to play for their football team, at the age of 22 it was the first time Watkins had ever played football. He played football at Butte from 2007−2008, helping them to a perfect 11−0 record in 2008. Butte coaches sent game tape to FBS schools, and California, Hawaii, and Baylor expressed interest.Baylor University
Watkins transferred to Baylor University, after head coach Art Briles was impressed with his game tape at Butte. Watkins started at left offensive tackle as a junior in 2009 for the Bears. He replaced Jason Smith, who was drafted second overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2009 NFL draft.He was selected fourth overall by the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in the 2010 CFL draft, but played out his last year at Baylor University, the 2010 season.
Professional career
Pre-draft
Prior to the 2011 NFL draft, Watkins was projected to be drafted in the first or second round. He hired former NFL offensive lineman Joe Panos as his agent.Watkins invited five of his friends from the West Kelowna fire department to join him at the draft. On the morning of the draft, Watkins and his firefighter friends visited a New York City firehouse that lost several members during the September 11 attacks.