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 playing college football for the Clemson Tigers, culminating in a national championship victory in 2016. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, marking the start of his professional career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2017: Watson donates first NFL game check to NRG Stadium employees

In 2017, Deshaun Watson donated his first NFL game check, approximately $27,000, to three NRG Stadium cafeteria employees affected by Hurricane Harvey.

2020: Watson requests trade from Texans

Following the 2020 season, Deshaun Watson requested a trade from the Texans due to dissatisfaction with front office and coaching staff changes. The Texans initially resisted trade negotiations.

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

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.

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life - Cloud Pink

Check it on Amazon

2021: Watson ruled out for all Texans games

During 2021, Deshaun Watson was ruled out for every Texans game for "non-injury reasons/personal matter," despite not being officially suspended or placed on a reserve list.

March 11, 2022: Grand jury declines to indict Watson

On March 11, 2022, a grand jury declined to indict Deshaun Watson on criminal charges related to harassment and sexual misconduct. At that time, he still faced 22 civil lawsuits.

March 18, 2022: Watson traded to the Browns

On March 18, 2022, Deshaun Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick were traded from the Texans to the Browns. The Browns gave up first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as a third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. Watson signed a new five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns.

August 18, 2022: Watson suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million

On August 18, 2022, after a settlement between the NFL and NFLPA, Deshaun Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 regular season and fined $5 million due to sexual harassment allegations.

November 28, 2022: Watson reinstated to Browns' active roster

On November 28, 2022, Deshaun Watson was reinstated from his suspension and added to the Browns' 53-man roster. He started in Week 13 against the Texans.

2022: Watson suspended for six games

In 2022, Deshaun Watson was initially suspended for six regular season games by arbiter Sue Lewis Robinson due to sexual harassment allegations. The NFL later appealed the suspension, seeking a longer term.

2024: Watson to be recovered before the NFL season

Deshaun Watson underwent surgery on November 21, with the expectation to be fully recovered before the 2024 NFL season.

2024: Achilles tear forces Watson to miss the rest of the season

During the Browns' Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 20, 2024, Deshaun Watson was carted off the field after suffering a non-contact leg injury. The following day, it was confirmed to be an Achilles tear, which forced him to miss the rest of the 2024 season.

January 9, 2025: Watson undergoes surgery after Achilles re-rupture

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