Brett Simpson was born three years after his dad, Bill Simpson’s, days with the NFL Buffalo Bills ended – but he still has that “pro athlete” DNA. And that DNA is rising to the surface. Simpo, as he’s called in the surf world, is the man to watch on the 2012 ASP World Tour.

“Brett played youth sports – mostly baseball and basketball – while growing up in Garden Grove. But what he loved was surfing. At 13, he told his dad that he was going to drop everything else and concentrate on riding the board.

“I was addicted to surfing,” Brett says. “I think he was disappointed. He said ‘You sure?’ like I was giving something up. He’s more into it now.”  Read the entire 2009 interview here

Fast forward to 2012 and I’ll bet Bill’s not the least bit disappointed now. With sponsorships from Hurley, Etnies, Dragon eyewear, H.S.S, Da Kine accessories, Nixon watches, Toyota of H.B, Future Fins and Power Balance, Simpo is more famous in professional surfing than Dad was in NFL. And isn’t that what every Dad wants for his son? “A better life than I had.”

The ASP posted an interview with Brett on their website a couple days ago:

“Brett Simpson (USA), 26, is currently amidst his third year among the world’s best surfers and is continually adding priceless knowledge while competing event-after-event on the ASP World Championship Tour. After a tough equal 25th place finish at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Simpson rebounded at Bells, finishing equal 9th in a hard-fought Round 5 clash against Kai Otton (AUS), 32. The ASP recently caught up with Simpo to get his thoughts on the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, what he’s doing on his short break and how he’s gearing up for the upcoming Billabong Rio Pro in Brazil. Read This… is his story…”

There are nine more stops this year, giving us plenty of opportunity to follow Brett Simpson through the season.

May 9 – 20, 2012 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Billabong Rio Pro
Jun 3 – 15, 2012 Tavarua/Namotu, Fiji | Volcom Fiji Pro
Jul 11 – 21, 2012 Jeffreys Bay, South Africa | Billabong Pro
Aug 16 – 27, 2012 Teahupoo,Taiarapu, French Polynesia | Billabong Pro Teahupoo
Sep 16 – 22, 2012 Trestles,California, United States of America | Hurley Pro
Sep 28 – Oct 8, 2012 South West Coast, France | Quiksilver Pro France
Oct 10 – 21, 2012Peniche, PortugalRip Curl Pro
Nov 2 – 12, 2012 Santa Cruz,California, United States of America | O’Neill Coldwater Classic Santa Cruz
Dec 8 – 20, 2012 Banzai Pipeline Oahu, Hawaii | Billabong Pipe Masters

If you prefer, you can get to know Brett Simpson: Man to Watch on 2012 ASP World Tour at simplysimpo.tumblr.com or twitter.com/brettsimpo