Life has been good for the young Josh Sitton.
The 24-year-old won a Super Bowl in his third season in the NFL after being drafted in the fourth round by the Packers out of Central Florida. As a professional, Sitton blocks for Aaron Rodgers, a Super Bowl MVP and Pro Bowl quarterback. In college, he opened holes for Kevin Smith when he ran for 2,567 yards in 2007, the second highest single-season total in NCAA history. The Golden Knights also won the schools first football conference championship that year.
Oh, and Sitton has started every game his team has played in college and in the NFL outside of his freshman and rookie seasons.
Its a gift to, at this point of my career at such a young age, to live out my dream at such a young age, Sitton said at the Packers Tailgate Tour on Friday. You sit back and think about what I was doing when I was 10, 12 years old dreaming about it.
I guess a little bit of time off gives you that time to sit back and actually reflect. Its pretty cool and Im a very, very lucky guy.
Sitton might be a little greedy, too. Just three months after the 31-25 win over the Steelers in Dallas, he already wants another.
Always the main goal is the Super Bowl, Sitton said. Thats what were here for, winning a championship. Im not going to lie, we got one so it takes a little bit of the pressure off. But I think theres even more pressure to repeat.
But right now, it eases the mind. But soon as the season starts kicking, therell be that extra pressure to do it. We dont need any extra motivation, were all self motivated guys or we wouldnt be where were at. We really push ourselves.
Sitton is already considered one of the top guards in the league and will surely be in line for a nice payday when his contract expires after the 2011 season. His base salary paid $470,000 in 2010, the lowest amongst the Packers starting offensive linemen. Backups Jason Spitz and T.J. Lang had higher salaries last season.
Sitton could be part of a young talented line in front of Rodgers for the foreseeable future if the Packers extend his contract. Bryan Bulaga, 22, looks to be the left tackle of the future after starting at right tackle as a rookie when Mark Tauscher was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. The Packers drafted Derek Sherrod, 22, with the No. 32 overall pick in the Aprils draft with the hope that he can man a tackle position opposite Bulaga. Center Scott Wells, 30, would be the senior of the group if he is resigned when his deal expires after 2011. T.J. Lang, 23, is expected to compete for the left guard job if Daryn Colledge leaves through free agency this offseason, which most expect. Marshall Newhouse, 22, could also be in the mix.
Tauscher, an 11-year veteran, and left tackle Chad Clifton, 11 seasons, have reached the back ends of their careers.
You always say, you can never have enough depth on the offensive line, Sitton said. So, bring in another couple guys, its younger, tougher competition. It just makes you better.
There is one thing missing from Sittons resume a trip to the Pro Bowl.
I wouldnt play the game if I didnt want to be the best, he said. I think its everybodys goals to make Pro Bowls and things like that.
Sitton knows hes blessed. He also claims to have known hed win a NFL title while in college. But Sitton has a sneaky, dry sense of humor that can leave one to wonder if he is serious.
Yeah man, I always knew it, Sitton said twice without cracking a smile.