Aidan Hutchinson reveals who inspired him to love football

Aidan Hutchinson is a football player through and through. From his no-quit attitude to his trademark eye-black, Hutchinson’s love for the game has helped Michigan embark on one of their greatest seasons ever.

Hutchinson has given football everything and football is giving Hutchinson immense rewards. As he took the trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony, the Michigan star revealed who inspired him to love the game.

“I think growing up, it’s a common answer — but I think it’s just my dad,” stated Hutchinson. “He was an All-American at Michigan, and I grew up going to all the games. I think he really inspired me. And seeing him on the walls in Schembechler hall in our football building, I think it made me want to be like him, and I think that’s something I did. He’s been such a true inspiration to me, and I’m grateful to call him my dad.”

Hutchinson’s answer is unsurprising, but it warms your heart nonetheless. Earlier this year on ESPN’s College GameDay, the Hutchinson family detailed their love for Michigan — and how Aidan was inspired by his father, Chris Hutchinson.

“Michigan was my childhood,” stated Hutchinson, via ESPN. “I still got my Dad’s Big Ten Championship rings. My Dad’s Rose Bowl jersey up there, with the gloves in it. .. He made me fall in-love with Michigan football, and everything that comes with it.”

Aidan Hutchinson followed in his father’s footsteps. Chris Hutchinson was a key defensive player back when he played for the Wolverines, and all Aidan ever wanted was to be like him. Heck, he even wears the same No. 97 that his Dad used to rock.

Chris Hutchinson: ‘I didn’t want him to live in my legacy.’

A tremendous player in his own right, Chris Hutchinson didn’t want his son to feel the added pressure of living up to his name.

“I didn’t want him to live in my legacy,” stated Chris Hutchinson, regarding his son choosing No. 97. “But he wanted to keep that Hutchinson No. 97 in the family.”

However, Aidan lived up to the hype and more. In his beastly performance against Ohio State, he surpassed his father’s sack record. His father was already proud of him, but Chris Hutchinson couldn’t be happier to see his record fall.

“Proud that we shared the No. 97,” said Chris Hutchinson.

Chris Hutchinson inspired Aidan Hutchinson to love football. Now, his son has glory, fame and fortune directly ahead of him.