Saints' Watson: Opposing player thanked me for helping his fantasy team

NFL players play fantasy football, too, which can sometimes lead to awkward situations like the one New Orleans Saints tight end Ben Watson recently experienced.

While appearing on the "ESPN Fantasy Focus Football" podcast this week, Watson was asked how often fantasy football comes up inside the locker room.

"It actually came up on the football field last week, randomly," Watson said, per Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post. "You'll be happy to hear this. As a fantasy guy, you're going to be really happy to hear this. As a non-fantasy guy, I was kind of confused.

"But one of the players from the opposing team told me, 'Thank you,' during the game, for helping his fantasy team. So fantasy has permeated into the entire NFL. Guys are playing fantasy football; some guys I think even play fantasy baseball. I don't get involved with it. I have five kids, I just don't have time. Not that anything's wrong with the fantasy, but I just don't have time for it, with my lifestyle."

Watson said the player told him this in passing and he didn't catch his name.

Watson was held to three catches for 19 yards in the Saints' last game (a 47-14 loss to the Washington Redskins), but has had some productive outings this season. He had 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 and nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 8.