Deshaun Watson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Deshaun Watson is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He gained prominence playing college football for the Clemson Tigers, where he led them to a national championship in 2016. Watson 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: Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton's Accomplishment

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. Watson matched this feat in his 2017 season.

1997: Jeff George's Accomplishment

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: David Carr Receives Award

In 2002, David Carr became the second Texans quarterback to receive the PFWA All-Rookie Team award

2003: Jason White Wins Davey O'Brien Award

In 2016, Watson became the first player since Jason White in 2003-2004 to win the Davey O'Brien Award in consecutive years.

2004: Jason White Wins Davey O'Brien Award

In 2016, Watson became the first player since Jason White in 2003-2004 to win the Davey O'Brien Award in consecutive years.

2006: Sportradar Tracks Air Yards

In Week 1 against the Cowboys in 2024, Watson became 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 Previous ACC Championship

In 2015, Watson led Clemson to their first ACC championship since 2011. The win against North Carolina resulted in Watson being named the ACC Championship Game MVP.

2014: Ranked as Top Quarterback Recruit

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

2014: Accolades and Recognition

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

2015: Heisman Trophy Finalist and Award Winner

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. Watson finished third in the balloting and he won the Davey O'Brien Award, and was also named the 2015 ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

2015: Leading Clemson to Undefeated Season

In 2015, Deshaun Watson led Clemson to an undefeated 12-0 regular season and a #1 ranking. He was also named the ACC Championship Game MVP after winning the ACC Championship against North Carolina.

2016: Leading Clemson to National Championship

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

2016: National Championship Game and Record

In 2016, Watson led the Clemson Tigers to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Alabama, but Clemson lost 45-40. Despite the loss, Watson set the record for most total yards in national championship game history, with 478 yards (405 passing / 73 rushing).

2016: Orange Bowl Victory

In 2016, the Clemson Tigers participated in the College Football Playoff and faced the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl. Watson threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and ran for 145 yards and a touchdown, leading Clemson to a 37–17 victory and earning the game MVP honors.

2016: 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. He was also named winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Manning Award. For the second consecutive year, Watson was named one of the five Heisman Trophy candidates

2017: National Championship Victory

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 last-second game-winning pass. Watson was named the game's offensive MVP.

2018: Guiding the Texans to Division Title

In 2018, Watson guided the Texans to a consecutive division title. He also received Pro Bowl honors as Houston's primary starter.

2018: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2018, Watson was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018 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: Guiding the Texans to Division Title

In 2019, Watson guided the Texans to a consecutive division title. He also received Pro Bowl honors as Houston's primary starter.

2020: League-Leading Passing Yards

Despite the team's 4-12 record, Watson finished the 2020 season with a league-leading 4,823 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions.