50 Facts About Deshaun Watson

Early Life and High School Career

Deshaun Watson's journey to NFL stardom began in Gainesville, Georgia. His early years were filled with a passion for football, nurtured by his family and coaches.

1. Deshaun Watson was born to Deann Watson and Don Richardson in Gainesville, Georgia.
2. Watson attended Gainesville High School, where he played for the Red Elephants football team.
3. He set numerous state records during his high school career, including total yards (17,134), total touchdowns (218), career passing yards (13,077), and career passing touchdowns (155).

College Football at Clemson

Watson's college career at Clemson University was nothing short of spectacular. He quickly became one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

4. Watson received offers from several colleges before verbally committing to Clemson University on February 1, 2012.
5. He was ranked as the top quarterback recruit for the 2014 class by ESPN 300.
6. Watson played college football for the Clemson Tigers from 2014 to 2016.
7. During his time at Clemson, he led the team to two consecutive College Football Playoff National Championship games, winning the title in 2016.
8. In the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Watson threw for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass with just one second remaining.

Entering the NFL

Watson's transition to the NFL was highly anticipated, and he quickly made a name for himself with the Houston Texans.

9. Watson was selected by the Houston Texans as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
10. He was projected as a first-round pick by the majority of scouts and analysts, with rankings from Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Focus, and ESPN.
11. Watson's rookie season was cut short by injury, but he still managed to set the record for the most passing touchdowns (19) by a rookie in any calendar month (October 2017).

Professional Career Highlights

Despite injuries, Watson has achieved remarkable success in the NFL, earning accolades and setting records.

12. After his rookie season, Watson guided the Texans to consecutive division titles in 2018 and 2019.
13. He led the league in passing yards in 2020 and received Pro Bowl honors in each of his three seasons as Houston's primary starter.
14. As of January 2024, Watson is ninth in career completion percentage (minimum 1,500 attempts) and third in all-time career passer rating.

Trade to Cleveland Browns

Watson's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.

15. Disagreements with the Texans' front office and multiple lawsuits kept Watson out for the entire 2021 season.
16. He was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022, where he signed a five-year contract worth $230 million, one of the largest contracts in NFL history.

Personal Life and Resilience

Watson's personal life and resilience have played a crucial role in his career, showcasing his determination and strength.

17. Watson is known for his nonchalant attitude towards injuries.
18. He has played through a torn ACL as a Clemson freshman and has endured a lifetime of pain, including a broken rib and a collapsed lung.
19. Despite his injury history, Watson remains resilient and determined.
20. He has stated that he will continue playing football until he can no longer walk or until the NFL no longer wants him.

Legal Issues and Public Scrutiny

Watson's career has also been marked by legal issues and public scrutiny, which have impacted his professional and personal life.

21. In 2021, Watson was sued by more than two dozen female massage therapists for sexual harassment and sexual assault.
22. He has denied any wrongdoing while settling 20 claims of sexual misconduct.
23. The allegations against Watson led to significant public scrutiny and media attention.
24. The NFL conducted an investigation into the allegations against Watson, culminating in a recommendation for an indefinite suspension.
25. Watson settled the majority of the civil lawsuits filed against him, but the case remains a contentious issue.

Return to Football and Team Dynamics

Despite the challenges, Watson has returned to the football field with the Cleveland Browns, where his performance and integration into the team are closely watched.

26. Watson's integration into the Cleveland Browns has been a focus of attention.
27. The team's dynamics and how Watson fits into the roster have been subjects of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
28. Watson is known for his meticulous preparation and strategic approach to the game.
29. He often diagrams plays and is deeply involved in game planning, showcasing his analytical mind and leadership skills.
30. Watson's leadership qualities have been praised by coaches and teammates.

Community Involvement and Personal Philosophy

Watson's commitment to his community and his personal philosophy reflect his character and values.

31. Watson is involved in various community initiatives, particularly in his hometown of Gainesville, Georgia.
32. He has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community.
33. Watson's approach to life and football is centered around resilience and determination.
34. He believes in playing until he can no longer walk or until the NFL no longer wants him.
35. Watson is an inspirational figure for many young athletes.

Fan Base and Media Presence

Watson's fan base and media presence have contributed to his popularity and influence both on and off the field.

36. Watson has a dedicated fan base, particularly in Houston and Cleveland.
37. His performances on the field have been met with enthusiasm and support from fans.
38. Watson has a significant media presence, with frequent appearances on sports talk shows and podcasts.
39. He is active on social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his life and career.
40. Watson has been involved in various endorsement deals, leveraging his fame to promote brands and products.

Philanthropic Efforts and Family Background

Watson's philanthropic efforts and supportive family background have shaped his journey and success.

41. Watson has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives, including supporting education and healthcare programs.
42. His charitable work has been recognized and celebrated by both the sports community and broader society.
43. Watson comes from a supportive family. His mother, Deann Watson, and father, Don Richardson, have been instrumental in his career.
44. During his high school career, Watson earned accolades such as Junior All-American, 2014 Player to Watch, and 2014 Top 100 Recruit.

College and NFL Achievements

Watson's achievements in college and the NFL have solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the sport.

45. At Clemson, Watson won several awards, including the ACC Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
46. He also received the Davey O'Brien Award in 2015 and the Manning Award in 2016.
47. Watson has achieved several milestones in his NFL career, including leading the league in passing yards in 2020 and guiding the Texans to consecutive division titles in 2018 and 2019.

Impact of Trade and Legal Consequences

The trade to the Cleveland Browns and the legal consequences of the allegations against Watson have had a significant impact on his career and public perception.

48. The trade from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns has had a significant impact on team dynamics.
49. The legal consequences of the allegations against Watson have been far-reaching.
50. The public perception of Watson has been complex and multifaceted.

Deshaun Watson: A Complex Legacy

Deshaun Watson's journey in football is a mix of triumphs and challenges. From his record-breaking high school days to leading Clemson to a national championship, his talent has always shone brightly. Drafted by the Houston Texans, he quickly became a standout quarterback, earning Pro Bowl honors and setting NFL records. However, his career faced turbulence with legal issues and a high-profile trade to the Cleveland Browns. Despite these setbacks, Watson's resilience and determination remain evident. His story is one of incredible athleticism, personal growth, and ongoing scrutiny. As he continues with the Browns, fans and analysts alike watch closely, eager to see how his legacy will unfold. Watson's impact on football, both on and off the field, ensures he will be remembered for years to come.