Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Deshaun Watson

Discover the career path of Deshaun Watson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Deshaun Watson is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He gained prominence during his college career at Clemson University, where he quarterbacked the team to a national championship in 2016. His success led to him being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, marking the start of his professional career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

January 21, 2019: First Pro Bowl Selection

On January 21, 2019, Deshaun Watson was named to his first Pro Bowl, replacing Tom Brady, who was headed to the Super Bowl.

April 28, 2020: Texans exercised the fifth-year option on Watson's contract

On April 28, 2020, the Texans exercised the fifth-year option on Deshaun Watson's contract, securing his place with the team for another year.

April 7, 2021: Nike and Beats by Dre suspend endorsement deals with Watson

On April 7, 2021, Nike and Beats by Dre suspended their endorsement deals with Deshaun Watson. Additionally, Reliant Energy and H-E-B announced they would not engage with Watson in the future.

March 18, 2022: Watson Traded to the Browns for Draft Picks and Signs New Deal

On March 18, 2022, Deshaun Watson, along with the Texans' 2024 sixth-round draft pick, was traded to the Cleveland Browns. The Texans received the Browns' first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Browns' third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. Watson also signed a new, fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns.

November 28, 2022: Watson Reinstated and Starts Against Texans

On November 28, 2022, Deshaun Watson was reinstated from his suspension and added to the 53-man roster. He started against his former team, the Texans, in Week 13, marking his first game in 700 days.

January 9, 2025: Watson Undergoes Achilles Surgery After Re-Rupture

On January 9, 2025, Deshaun Watson underwent surgery after he suffered a re-rupture to his right Achilles tendon, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025 season.