Career Timeline of Jaylen Watson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jaylen Watson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jaylen Watson is a professional American football cornerback currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. After playing college football at Ventura College, he transferred to Washington State. Watson was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His career is still in its early stages as of 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2020: All-Pac-12 Conference Honorable Mention

In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Jaylen Watson became an immediate starter at cornerback for the Washington State Cougars. He was named honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference after recording 13 tackles, two passes broken up, a forced fumble, and one recovered fumble in three games.

May 6, 2022: Signed by the Kansas City Chiefs

On May 6, 2022, Jaylen Watson signed a four-year, $3.74 million rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including a signing bonus of $85,372.

September 11, 2022: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 11, 2022, Jaylen Watson made his professional regular season debut for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Arizona Cardinals, recording two tackles and one pass deflection in a 44–21 victory.

September 13, 2022: Promotion to Starting Nickelback

On September 13, 2022, after Trent McDuffie was placed on injured reserve, Jaylen Watson was promoted to the third cornerback on the depth chart and appointed as the starting nickelback for the Kansas City Chiefs.

September 15, 2022: First Career Start and Touchdown

On September 15, 2022, Jaylen Watson earned his first career start as a nickelback against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. He recorded four combined tackles, one pass deflection, and scored his first career touchdown with a 99-yard pick-six, intercepting a pass from Justin Herbert. His performance earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

2022: Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs

In 2022, Jaylen Watson was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round (243rd overall) of the NFL draft.

2022: Chiefs Finish First in AFC West

In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs finished first in the AFC West with a 14–3 record, clinching a first-round bye.

January 21, 2023: First Career Playoff Game Start

On January 21, 2023, Jaylen Watson started in his first career playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording four solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception to help secure a 27–20 victory in the AFC Divisional Round.

January 29, 2023: AFC Championship Game Start and Interception

On January 29, 2023, Jaylen Watson started in the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals and had four solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Joe Burrow during a 23–20 victory, advancing to the Super Bowl.

February 12, 2023: Super Bowl LVII Victory

On February 12, 2023, Jaylen Watson started in Super Bowl LVII and recorded three solo tackles in the Chiefs' 38–35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, earning his first Super Bowl ring.

November 5, 2023: First Career Sack

On November 5, 2023, Jaylen Watson recorded five combined tackles and made his first career sack on Tua Tagovailoa for a seven-yard loss during a 21–14 victory against the Miami Dolphins.

2023: Chiefs Finish Atop AFC West

In 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs finished the NFL season atop the AFC West with an 11–6 record.

February 11, 2024: Super Bowl LVIII Victory

On February 11, 2024, Jaylen Watson made two solo tackles and had a fumble recovery on a muffed punt as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25–22 to win Super Bowl LVIII.

September 5, 2024: Career-High Tackles in Home-Opener

On September 5, 2024, Jaylen Watson started in the Kansas City Chiefs' home-opener against the Baltimore Ravens and set a career-high with 11 combined tackles and made one pass deflection during their 27–20 victory.