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Titans strength coach returned to work a day after having 3 surgeries

Football strength coaches often have a reputation for being a little crazy. Take Steve Watterson of the Tennessee Titans for example.

According to ESPN.com, Watterson has never missed a day of work, so why would three surgeries in one day stop him?

On May 20, he lifted a 242-pound strongman stone from the ground onto a 54-inch high platform. Late that afternoon, he had surgery on both of his knees (repairs to each meniscus as well as surfaces) and his right shoulder (torn rotator cuff). On May 21, he reported to team headquarters for work.

Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt knows Watterson is a little crazy, but says that’s part of what makes him good at his job.

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“I think it confirms that Watterson is crazy, that I know,” Whisenhunt said of Watterson’s quick return to work. “I think it shows his intensity. I think he’s held together by a girdle, if he takes it off I think he’s going to fall apart. He’s very good at what he does, I have a lot of respect for Steve. His knowledge of what he’s doing and how he trains these guys I have a lot of respect for.”

Watterson, 58, has been with the Titans (and Oilers) organization as head strength and conditioning coach since 1986, which makes him the longest-tenured coach with one team in the NFL, according to the team website. 

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!