Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware (10) celebrates after the Tigers defeated Alabama 35-31 to win the National Championship at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Monday, January 9, 2017.
Think athletes get over slights? Think again.
When Clemson captured the national title on Monday night, it was the culmination of a long journey for Ben Boulware. The Tigers senior was one of the team’s defensive stalwarts who created chaos in the Alabama offensive backfield, and finished the game as defensive MVP.
Once upon a time, he wasn’t quite such a sure-fire star. Boulware was a four-star defensive end prospect from Hanna High in Anderson, S.C. He committed to Clemson in 2012, at which point he received the following Tweet from a (not such a) fan:
Boulware clearly never let go of whoever @TrippWilliams60 is. Ever. He said Williams’ Tweet would be his motivation shortly after it was posted. Following Monday’s win, he made it clear that it still is:
That, ladies and gentlemen, is commitment to a grudge. To a championship level. Touche’, Ben Boulware, touche’.