History of Deshaun Watson in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Fran Tarkenton's Achievement

In 1961, Fran Tarkenton became the first rookie since then to pass for at least four touchdowns and rush for one touchdown in a game, a record Deshaun Watson would later tie.

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.

December 2020: Fine 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 he and several teammates gathered at the opening of his new restaurant without wearing face masks.

March 16, 2021: Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Watson for Sexual Misconduct

On March 16, 2021, a Houston massage therapist filed a civil lawsuit against Deshaun Watson, alleging sexual misconduct during a treatment session in March 2020. The therapist claimed Watson touched her inappropriately and made unwanted advances. Watson denied the claims.

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 11, 2022: Grand jury declines to indict Watson; faces 22 civil lawsuits

On March 11, 2022, a grand jury declined to indict Deshaun Watson on criminal charges related to "harassment and sexual misconduct". However, on that date, he still faced 22 civil lawsuits, many alleging sexual misconduct and assault.

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.

August 18, 2022: Watson Suspended 11 Games and Fined $5 Million

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 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.

September 9, 2024: Watson Sued for Sexual Assault and Battery by New Accuser

On September 9, 2024, Deshaun Watson faced a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault and battery in Houston. The accuser claimed Watson penetrated her vagina without consent during a date in 2020.

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.

July 2025: Collusion scandal comes to light

In July 2025, the fact that Watson's contract was fully guaranteed led to a collusion scandal involving the league and the NFL Players Association that was made public, and later led to the resignations of NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell and chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter a few days afterward.