Although he was a rock at center for the Badgers, his first NFL appearance was at right guard as the Green & Whites’ offensive line struggled with a series of injuries last season. Then veteran center Connor McGovern went down with a season-ending injury and Tippmann was thrust into the middle of the offensive line action in Week 7.
When asked if part of his struggle was in his head, Tippmann said, “It’s tough because the first thing you usually do is subconscious, you don’t even think about it. I have to think about something every play, I had to overcome not bouncing the ball. I had to think about the snaps. I’ve overcome that and I feel like I’m in a good place.”
Tippmann’s struggles prompted Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to express their support and confidence in their center, while Aaron Rodgers said he liked Tippmann’s leadership potential and compared him to his former Green Bay center Corey Lindsley.
“I want to strengthen Tippmann,” Rodgers said. “I think Tip has a chance to take the lead.”
Tippmann thanked Rodgers on Saturday for his support and help.
“I have a great relationship with Aaron,” Tippmann said. “He’s trying to make me better, and I appreciate that it’s out of love and he’s trying to make me better. Any criticism I get from him, I take it very well. I’ve had this new burden in training and that’s something I’ve been working on.”
