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 gained prominence during his college career with the Clemson Tigers, where he led the team to a national championship in 2016. Subsequently, he was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1961: Fran Tarkenton Rookie Season

In Week 4 of 2017 against the Tennessee Titans, Watson became the first rookie to pass for at least four touchdowns and rush for one touchdown in a game since Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton in 1961.

1997: Jeff George Led the League in Passing Yards

In 2020, 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: PFWA All-Rookie Team

In 2018, Watson was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, becoming the second Texans quarterback to receive the award since David Carr had done so in 2002.

2006: Sportradar began tracking air yards

In Week 1 against the Cowboys, Watson became the first quarterback since 2006, when Sportradar began tracking air yards, to have 10+ passes thrown 15 or more yards downfield with zero completions.

2011: Clemson's First ACC Championship Since 2011

In 2015, Watson led the Tigers to a 45–37 win against North Carolina, marking Clemson's first ACC championship since 2011. Watson was also named the ACC Championship Game MVP.

2014: Player to Watch and Top 100 Recruit

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

2014: Ranked as 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, the first time that a Clemson player had been invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation. He won the Davey O'Brien Award, and was named 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 against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl, one of the College Football Playoff semifinal games, earning game MVP honors.

2016: Led Clemson to National Championship

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

2016: College Football Playoff National Championship

In 2016, Deshaun Watson threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 73 yards in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Alabama, though Clemson lost 45-40. He set the record for most total yards in a national championship game history.

2016: Won Davey O'Brien Award

In the fall of 2016, Deshaun 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.

2017: Clemson Wins National Championship

In 2017, Clemson defeated No. 1 Alabama 35–31 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The win marked Clemson's second national championship, ending a three-decade national-championship drought. Watson was named the game's offensive MVP.