Aidan Hutchinson reveals who childhood hero was growing up

Michigan star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is in New York City this weekend for all the Heisman ceremony festivities. On Friday, reporters asked who his football heroes were growing up.

“I really didn’t watch too many d-ends growing up,” Hutchinson admitted. “I really just watched Tom Brady when I was a kid growing up. That guy was my favorite. I really wasn’t too enamored with d-ends. I wanted to be a quarterback just like Tom Brady.”

While it’s a bit surprising to hear that Hutchinson was never too enamored with defensive ends, it’s not surprising that he loved Tom Brady, considering he played for the Wolverines. Hutchinson recently talked about how he wasn’t a fan of the Detroit Lions growing up, but that Brady and the New England Patriots captured his heart.

“You know, growing up, it was hard being a Lions fan,” he said. “The Lions have been struggling for a while. I actually grew up a Patriots fan with Tom Brady and stuff like that. So, I never really loved the Lions too much. But, hey, if they pick me, they’re getting it all.”

Aidan Hutchinson: A true Michigan Wolverine legend

For Hutchinson, the Michigan Wolverines legend has truly gotten to live out his life’s destiny to this point. His father, Chris Hutchinson, played for Michigan as a defensive lineman/outside linebacker from 1989 to 1992. His father was an All-American for the Wolverines back in 1992.

Hutchinson has already firmly cemented his status in the Michigan fan bases hearts with his incredible on-field production. In 2021, he’s racked up 15.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.

He earned a spot in the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City this weekend, although many people would argue that Alabama linebacker Will Anderson, Jr. was more worthy of a spot. The sophomore for Alabama took the snub in stride and only had praise for the star Michigan defensive end.

“He’s a helluva player,” stated Anderson, Jr. speaking of Hutchinson. “He’s very physical. Can rush the passer. All credit to him. Congratulations to him, as well.”

Add in the fact that Hutchinson was a key member of the group of players that led the Wolverines to their first win over Ohio State in a decade, a Big Ten Championship over Iowa, and a College Football Playoff berth, it’s safe to say the Michigan fans in Ann Arbor and beyond won’t soon forget their freak of a defensive end.

He’s still got one and potentially two more games to add to that legacy in the College Football Playoff. Michigan fans know what they want for Christmas, a 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Michigan plays Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 31. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. EST from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.