History of Deshaun Watson in Timeline

Deshaun Watson is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns. He gained prominence playing college football for the Clemson Tigers, where he led the team to a national championship in 2016. In 2017, Watson was drafted in the first round by the Houston Texans, marking the beginning of his NFL career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Fran Tarkenton's Achievement

In 1961, Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton became the first rookie to pass for at least four touchdowns and rush for one touchdown in a game, a feat Deshaun Watson later matched.

September 14, 1995: Deshaun Watson's Birth

On September 14, 1995, Derrick Deshaun Watson was born. He is currently a professional football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Last Player to Lead the League

In 1997, Jeff George of the Oakland Raiders was the last player before Deshaun Watson in 2020 to lead the league in passing yards on a team with at least 12 losses.

2002: David Carr Texans Quarterback

In 2002, David Carr received the PFWA All-Rookie Team award becoming the first Texans quarterback to receive the award.

2003: Jason White's First Davey O'Brien Award

In 2003, Jason White was the player before Deshaun Watson in 2016, to win the Davey O'Brien Award in consecutive years.

2004: Jason White's Second Davey O'Brien Award

In 2004, Jason White was the player before Deshaun Watson in 2016, to win the Davey O'Brien Award in consecutive years.

2006: Home donation by Warrick Dunn

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.

2006: Sportradar began tracking air yards

In Week 1 against the Cowboys in 2024, Deshaun Watson had 0 completions on 10+ passes thrown 15 or more yards downfield, becoming the first quarterback since 2006 when Sportradar began tracking air yards to do so.

2010: Attended Gainesville High School

In the fall of 2010, Deshaun Watson began attending Gainesville High School and played for the school's Red Elephants football team, where he became the first-ever freshman starting quarterback.

2011: Clemson's First ACC Championship Since 2011

In 2015, Deshaun Watson led the Tigers to a 45–37 win, Clemson's first ACC championship since 2011.

February 1, 2012: Verbal Commitment to Clemson University

On February 1, 2012, Deshaun Watson verbally committed to Clemson University, marking a significant step in his college football career.

January 2014: Enrolled at Clemson University

In January 2014, Deshaun Watson enrolled at Clemson University, marking the beginning of his college football career with the Clemson Tigers.

October 11, 2014: Broke hand against Louisville Cardinals

On October 11, 2014, Deshaun Watson broke a bone in his right hand during a game against the Louisville Cardinals, causing him to miss several games.

2014: Recognition as Player to Watch and Top Recruit

In 2014, Deshaun Watson earned accolades such as Junior All-American, 2014 Player to Watch and 2014 Top 100 Recruit due to his outstanding performance in his junior year.

2014: Ranked Top Quarterback Recruit

In 2014, Deshaun Watson was ranked as the top quarterback recruit for the 2014 class by ESPN 300, solidifying his status as a highly sought-after talent.

2015: Led Clemson to Undefeated Regular Season

In 2015, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to an undefeated 12-0 regular season and a #1 ranking in the polls, showcasing his leadership and skills.

2015: Heisman Trophy Finalist and Award Wins

In 2015, Deshaun Watson was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finished third in the balloting, won the Davey O'Brien Award, and was named ACC Player and Offensive Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding achievements during the season.

November 8, 2016: Declared for NFL Draft

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

2016: Orange Bowl Victory and Game MVP Honors

In 2016, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a 37–17 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl, earning game MVP honors.

2016: Leading Clemson to a National Championship

In 2016, Deshaun Watson led the Clemson Tigers to a national championship, a significant achievement in his college football career.

2016: College Football Playoff National Championship Game

In 2016, Deshaun Watson played in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide where he set the record for most total yards in national championship game history, with 478 yards (405 passing / 73 rushing) against the nation's best defense.

2016: Davey O'Brien Award and Heisman Trophy Candidate

In the fall of 2016, Deshaun Watson won the Davey O'Brien Award for the second consecutive year and was named one of the five Heisman Trophy candidates.

May 12, 2017: Signed Contract with the 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: First Regular Season Appearance

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

2017: CFP National Championship Victory

In 2017, Clemson, led by Deshaun Watson, defeated Alabama 35–31 in the College Football Playoff National Championship, securing Clemson's second national championship.

2017: Drafted by Houston Texans

In 2017, Watson was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Houston Texans, marking the start of his professional career.

2018: Guided Texans to Division Title

In 2018, Deshaun Watson guided the Houston Texans to a division title.

2018: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2018, Deshaun Watson was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018 list.

2018: Texans Acquired Watson

In 2018, the Texans had acquired the pick from the Cleveland Browns, trading their first round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

January 21, 2019: Named to First Pro Bowl

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

2019: Guided Texans to Consecutive Division Title

In 2019, Deshaun Watson guided the Houston Texans to a consecutive division title, continuing his success with the team.

March 2020: Allegation of sexual misconduct during massage

In March 2020, a massage therapist claimed that Deshaun Watson touched her with the tip of his erect penis while asking her for sex during a massage session at her home.

April 28, 2020: Texans Exercised Fifth-Year Option

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

August 2020: Second massage therapist makes accusations

In August 2020, another massage therapist claimed that Watson had met her at the Houstonian Hotel and acted inappropriately during the session, including directing her to massage his anus and penis. The therapist also claimed that Watson had only paid half of the charges due for her services.

December 2020: Fined for COVID-19 Protocol Violation

In December 2020, Deshaun Watson was fined $7,500 by the Texans for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols after gathering at his new restaurant's opening without wearing face masks.

December 2020: Third lawsuit and NFL investigation

In December 2020, a third civil lawsuit was filed against Deshaun Watson, alleging that he had forced a massage therapist to perform oral sex on him before she blacked out. Also, on March 18, the NFL announced that it would investigate the sexual assault allegations made against Watson.

2020: Led the League in Passing Yards

In 2020, Deshaun Watson led the National Football League in passing yards, marking a significant achievement in his professional career.

March 16, 2021: Civil lawsuit filed against Watson

On March 16, 2021, a Houston massage therapist filed a civil lawsuit against Deshaun Watson, claiming that Watson had touched her inappropriately during a massage session in March 2020. Watson denied the claims.

April 7, 2021: Endorsement deals suspended

On April 7, 2021, Nike and Beats by Dre suspended endorsement deals with Deshaun Watson. Reliant Energy and H-E-B stated that they did not plan on engaging with Watson in the future.

2021: Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Trade Request

In 2021, Deshaun Watson faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and sexual assault. These legal challenges, along with disagreements with the Texans' front office, sidelined him for the entire 2021 season.

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". On that date he still faced 22 civil lawsuits, many alleging sexual misconduct, and assault.

March 18, 2022: Watson Traded to Browns

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

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

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

November 28, 2022: Watson reinstated and plays 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, posting the worst passer rating of his NFL career at 53.4 in the 27–14 win.

2022: Trade to the Cleveland Browns

In 2022, Deshaun Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns after sitting out the 2021 season due to disagreements with the Texans' front office and multiple sexual-misconduct lawsuits. With Cleveland, Watson signed a five-year contract worth $230 million.

2023: Browns draft picks to Texans

In 2023, as part of the trade from March 18, 2022, the Texans received the Browns' first-round and third-round draft picks.

September 9, 2024: New lawsuit filed against Watson

On September 9, 2024, Deshaun Watson was sued for sexual assault and battery by a new accuser in Houston, who alleged that Watson penetrated her vagina without consent during a date in 2020.

2024: Season-ending injury

In 2024, Deshaun Watson had struggles during the start of the season, and despite support from the coach, suffered an Achilles tear during the Browns' Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 20, forcing him to miss the rest of the 2024 season. His team went 1-6 with him at quarterback.

2024: Browns draft picks to Texans

In 2024, as part of the trade from March 18, 2022, the Texans received the Browns' first-round and fourth-round draft picks, while the Browns received the Texans' sixth-round draft pick.

January 9, 2025: Achilles re-rupture surgery

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