After becoming the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback during the second week of the 2017 NFL season, Deshaun Watson took the league by storm, passing for nearly 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns in only seven appearances. Watson dazzled fans with his scrambling ability, too, and appeared poised to become the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year before tearing his right ACL during practice in early November.

No stranger to devastating setbacks and triumphant comebacks alike—he tore his left ACL in 2014 before leading Clemson to two national championship game appearances and one title—Watson has launched himself into the rehab process this summer. And given the potential he flashed last season, long-suffering Texans fans are quietly (or not so quietly) thinking about the Super Bowl. We caught up with Watson to discuss his recovery, his relationship with fellow Texan J. J. Watt, and his stubborn penchant for sour gummy worms.

GQ: You’ve worked your way back from the same injury in your left knee at Clemson. How did that experience help you to embrace this current rehab regimen?

Deshaun Watson: Going through this before has made it a lot easier to not only understand but also appreciate the process. I already knew what had to be done, so it wasn’t hard for me to grasp what I had to do for treatment and recovery this time, so that I can come back stronger than I was before.

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Where or how have you found the motivation for a recovery process that you know can be grueling?

The recovery process can be mentally tough, but for me, it’s pretty easy to stay positive because I always have an end goal in sight—I need to get back on the field and perform. The entire Texans organization and its fans have constantly been sending me good wishes and giving me their support, so the grind has been easy.

What does a typical day look like for you during the rehab process?

I wake up and eat breakfast before going to the facility for a full day of training. Once I get there, I work directly with my trainer to go over the day’s program, which includes both rehab exercises and isolation exercises that continue to strengthen other parts of my body. After workouts, I head home to eat and focus on recovery.

You’ve been rehabbing from a major injury alongside J. J. Watt. How has that affected your own recovery?

J.J. is an inspiration, not just for me but also for the entire team. He’s been in the league for a while, and he has a lot of advice and tips he’s willing to share. It’s been great to bounce my questions off of him, and to get his honest feedback. Even though it was disappointing to get hurt during my rookie season, it’s been great to have someone like him to push me during the process.