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. He previously played college football for the Clemson Tigers, where he won a national championship in 2016. Watson was drafted into the NFL in the first round of the 2017 draft by the Houston Texans.
1961: Fran Tarkenton sets record
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.
1997: Jeff George led the league in passing yards
In 1997, Jeff George of the Oakland Raiders led the league in passing yards.
2002: David Carr Recieves PFWA All-Rookie Team Award
In 2002, David Carr became the first Texans quarterback to recieve the PFWA All-Rookie Team award.
2003: Jason White's Davey O'Brien Award Win
Jason White, in 2003, won the Davey O'Brien Award.
2004: Jason White's Davey O'Brien Award Win
Jason White, in 2004, won the Davey O'Brien Award.
2011: Clemson's First ACC Championship Since 2011
In 2015, Watson led Clemson to their first ACC championship since 2011.
2014: Ranked top quarterback recruit
In 2014, Deshaun Watson was ranked as the top quarterback recruit for the 2014 class by ESPN 300.
2015: Led Clemson to undefeated season
In 2015, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to an undefeated 12-0 regular season and a #1 ranking in the polls.
2016: College Football Playoff Semifinal Game
In 2016, Watson led Clemson to the College Football Playoff, defeating the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl semifinal game and earning MVP honors.
2016: National Championship Game Loss
In 2016, Watson played in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Alabama, throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-40 losing effort. He set a record for most total yards in a national championship game with 478.
2016: Won Davey O'Brien Award
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.
2017: Won College Football Playoff National Championship
In 2017, Clemson defeated Alabama 35–31 in the College Football Playoff National Championship, with Watson completing 36 of 56 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning pass. He was named the game's offensive MVP.
2018: Ranked 50th on NFL Top 100
In 2018, Deshaun Watson was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2020: Best season of franchise history
In 2020, Deshaun Watson finished the season with a league-leading 4,823 passing yards, as well as 33 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. By all major statistical measures, this was the best season in franchise history.
