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, where he led the team to a national championship in 2016. Watson was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Home Donated to Watson Family

In 2006, when Deshaun Watson was 11 years old, Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn donated a home to Watson's family through Dunn's charity, Homes for the Holidays, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

2010: Attended Gainesville High School and Joined Football Team

In the fall of 2010, Deshaun Watson began attending Gainesville High School and joined the school's Red Elephants football team, eventually becoming the first freshman starting quarterback under head coach Bruce Miller.

February 1, 2012: Commits to Clemson University

On February 1, 2012, Deshaun Watson verbally committed to Clemson University.

2014: Junior All-American and Player to Watch

In 2014, during his junior year, Deshaun Watson won a state championship and earned accolades such as Junior All-American, 2014 Player to Watch and 2014 Top 100 Recruit.

2015: Led Clemson to Undefeated Season

In 2015, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to an undefeated 12-0 regular season, a #1 ranking, and won the ACC Championship against North Carolina, earning MVP honors.

November 8, 2016: Declared for NFL Draft

On November 8, 2016, Deshaun Watson declared for the NFL draft along with three other Clemson players.

2016: Orange Bowl Victory and MVP Honors

In 2016, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a 37-17 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, earning game MVP honors and advancing to the National Championship game.

2016: Led Clemson to National Championship

In 2016, Deshaun Watson led the Clemson Tigers to a national championship.

2016: National Championship Game Loss

In 2016, Deshaun Watson threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Alabama, setting a record for most total yards in the game, but Clemson lost 45-40.

May 12, 2017: Signed Four-Year Contract with Texans

On May 12, 2017, Deshaun Watson signed a four-year, $13.84 million contract with the Houston Texans, including an $8.21 million signing bonus.

September 10, 2017: NFL Debut

On September 10, 2017, Deshaun Watson made his first regular-season appearance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing his first NFL touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins.

2017: Donation to NRG Stadium Employees

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

2017: Won College Football Playoff National Championship

In 2017, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a 35-31 victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship, ending a three-decade championship drought. Watson received the offensive MVP award.

2017: Drafted by Houston Texans

In 2017, Deshaun Watson was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round (12th overall).

2018: Guided Texans to Division Title

In 2018, Watson guided the Houston Texans to a division title and received Pro Bowl honors.

2019: Guided Texans to Consecutive Division Title

In 2019, Watson led the Texans to another consecutive division title and received Pro Bowl honors for the second straight year.

April 28, 2020: Texans Exercised Fifth-Year Option

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

2020: Trade Request and Standoff

In 2020, Deshaun Watson requested a trade from the Texans due to dissatisfaction with front office and coaching staff changes. The Texans resisted trade negotiations, leading to a standoff. Despite controversies, Watson participated in team activities on a limited basis and was named to the 53-man roster.

2020: Led League in Passing Yards

In 2020, Watson led the league in passing yards and received Pro Bowl honors for the third straight year.

March 18, 2022: Watson Traded to Browns, Signs Record Deal

On March 18, 2022, Deshaun Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns along with a 2024 sixth-round pick, in exchange for multiple draft picks. As part of the trade, Watson signed a new five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract with the Browns, the largest in NFL history at the time.

November 28, 2022: Watson Reinstated and Returns to Play

On November 28, 2022, Deshaun Watson was reinstated from his suspension and added to the 53-man roster. He started against the Texans in Week 13, posting a career-low passer rating of 53.4 in the win. Watson finished the 2022 season with a 3–3 record, 1,102 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

2022: Traded to Cleveland Browns

In 2022, Deshaun Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns and signed a five-year contract worth $230 million.

2023: Draft Picks Traded

As part of the March 18, 2022 trade deal, the Cleveland Browns traded their third-round pick in 2023 to the Houston Texans.

2024: Draft Picks Traded

As part of the March 18, 2022 trade deal, the Houston Texans received the Browns' first-round draft pick in 2024, as well as the Browns' fourth-round pick in 2024. The Texans also traded their 2024 sixth-round draft pick to the Browns.

2024: Injury and Season-Ending Surgery

In 2024, During week 7, On October 20, Deshaun Watson suffered an Achilles tear, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season, and underwent surgery on October 25. Earlier in Week 1, Watson struggled against the Cowboys, and through five games, posted a league-low QBR as the Browns struggled.

January 9, 2025: Achilles Re-rupture and Surgery

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