Whether it's pugilism on a parquet floor, battling Mother Nature's elements on the gridiron, conquering a diamond for 162 games, or skating for your life in the NHL, at the end of the day pro athletes all have a mutual resect for one another. They understand the games are a byproduct of countless hours in a practice facility, weight room, rehab quarters, or in the film room.
Yes, they are professionals and yes they get paid handsomely, but don't discount what they do is hard work. Damn hard work.
That's why it's never a surprise when one athlete gives props to another sports brethren.