Deshaun Watson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

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 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

1961: Fran Tarkenton's Record

In 1961, Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton set a record that Deshaun Watson tied in 2017, becoming 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

In 1997, Jeff George of the Oakland Raiders led the league in passing yards on a team with at least 12 losses, a feat that Deshaun Watson replicated in 2020.

2006: Sportradar Tracking Begins

In 2006, Sportradar began tracking air yards.

2014: Ranked Top Quarterback Recruit

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

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.

2015: Heisman Trophy Finalist and Award Winner

In 2015, Deshaun Watson was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and won the Davey O'Brien Award, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

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.

2016: Repeat Davey O'Brien Award Winner and Heisman Candidate

In the fall of 2016, Deshaun Watson won the Davey O'Brien Award for the second consecutive year, along with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Manning Award, and was again a Heisman Trophy candidate.

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.