Deshaun Watson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Deshaun Watson.

Deshaun Watson is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He previously played college football at Clemson University, where he led the team to win 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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Fran Tarkenton Achievement

Since Fran Tarkenton did in 1961, Deshaun Watson became the first rookie to pass for at least four touchdowns and rush for one touchdown in a game.

1997: Jeff George Led League in Passing Yards

Deshaun Watson became the first player to lead the league in passing yards on a team with at least 12 losses since Jeff George of the Oakland Raiders in 1997.

2002: David Carr Received PFWA All-Rookie Team Award

David Carr received the PFWA All-Rookie Team award in 2002.

2003: Jason White won Davey O'Brien Award

Jason White won Davey O'Brien Award in 2003.

2004: Jason White won Davey O'Brien Award

Jason White won Davey O'Brien Award in 2004.

2006: Sportradar began tracking air yards

In Week 1 against the Cowboys, in 2024, Watson was also 0-for-10 on passes thrown 15+ yards downfield, becoming the first quarterback to have 10+ passes thrown 15 or more yards downfield with zero completions since Sportradar began tracking air yards in 2006.

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.

2014: Junior All-American and Player to Watch

During his junior year in 2014, Watson was named a Junior All-American, a 2014 Player to Watch, and a 2014 Top 100 Recruit after winning a state championship.

2014: Top Quarterback Recruit

In 2014, Deshaun Watson was ranked as the top quarterback recruit for the 2014 class by ESPN 300.

2015: Heisman Trophy Finalist

For his accomplishments during the 2015 season, Watson was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He also won the Davey O'Brien Award and was named the 2015 ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

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.

2016: Orange Bowl Victory

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

2016: College Football Playoff National Championship Loss

In 2016, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, where they lost to Alabama 45-40. Watson set a record for most total yards in national championship game history, with 478 yards.

2016: National Championship

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

2016: Davey O'Brien Award Winner

In the fall of 2016, Watson became the first player since Jason White in 2003-2004 to win the Davey O'Brien Award in consecutive years. He was also named winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Manning Award. He was again a Heisman Trophy candidate but did not win.

2017: College Football Playoff National Championship Victory

In 2017, Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31 in the College Football Playoff National Championship, securing their second national championship. Watson was named the game's offensive MVP.

2018: Division Title with the Texans

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

2018: Ranked 50th in NFL Top 100 Players of 2018

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

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: Consecutive Division Title with the Texans

In 2019, Deshaun Watson led the Houston Texans to a consecutive division title and received Pro Bowl honors.

2020: Led League in Passing Yards

Despite the team's 4-12 record, Watson finished the 2020 season with a league-leading 4,823 passing yards.

March 18, 2022: Trade to the Browns

On March 18, 2022, Deshaun Watson and the Texans' 2024 sixth-round draft pick were traded to the Browns. The Browns gave up first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as a 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, the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history at the time.