I’ve always kind of played with something on my shoulder

This is a direct quote from NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, when he was asked if he has to prove himself now. You can read it in this ESPN article:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41136328/jets-aaron-rodgers-says-expects-greatness-comeback-season

This is a conflation of “something to prove” (need to display and confirm one’s abilities to others who are doubtful) and “have a chip on (one’s) shoulder” (have an attitude or sensitive about something that happened in the past). Reminds me of the Animal House movie scene where Pinto has the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. A big shout out to John Costello for spotting this one and sending it in. As he said, a nice way to start the football season!