American football quarterback Derrick Deshaun Watson plays for the Cleveland Browns as of March 2025. The Houston Texans drafted him as a first-round pick (12th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft. He started six games out of the seven he appeared in during his rookie year. Watson completed 126 passes for 1,699 yards, earning himself a spot in the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He became a starter for the Texans in 2018, starting all 16 regular-season games. Watson ended that season with a record of 11-5, getting a spot in his first Pro Bowl. After failing to start a game in 2021 and making 54 appearances over five seasons for the Texans, Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. In his eight seasons in the NFL, Watson has appeared in 73 games, completing 1,527 passes for 17,904 yards by the end of the 2024 season.
Growing up in Georgia, Watson attended Gainesville High School in 2010. Watson established multiple state marks throughout his high school career, including career throwing yards (13,077), career passing touchdowns (155), overall yards (17,134), and total touchdowns (218). He committed to Clemson University to play for the Tigers in 2014. Watson had a breakout season as a senior, winning the CFP National championship. He was also named as the Offensive MVP of the championship. Watson also won the Davey O’Brien and Manning Award for two consecutive seasons (2015, 2016).
Deshaun Watson Injury History
Deshaun Watson had a rough time with injuries during his rookie year in the NFL. He came back strongly from a season-ending injury. He also sustained a few blows in his college years. A few fractures and tears in 2014 cost him some of his game time.
Major Injuries Sustained by Deshaun Watson in the NFL
Knee ACL Tear Grade 3 Grade 3 (2017)
Watson's first season ended early on November 2, 2017, when he tore his ACL during a non-contact play during practice. Watson had to go through a successful right knee surgery on November 8 to repair his ACL.
Back Lower Lumbar Sprain Grade 1 (2019)
Prior to the Week 17 game against the Titans, Watson was designated as a limited participant due to a back issue, according to DraftSharks.
Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear Grade 1 (2023)
During Week 3 in September 2023, Watson sustained a cuff injury costing him four weeks of football. He returned from the shoulder injury in Week 7 (via Draft Sharks).
Shoulder Scapula Fracture Grade 1 (2023)
Against the Colts in Week 7, Watson's throwing shoulder was hurt badly, according to DraftSharks. Before receiving a diagnosis of an arm injury, he played two more games after making a comeback in Week 9. Later, he was announced out for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.
Pedal Achilles Tear Grade 3 (2024)
Watson suffered an Achilles injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in a week 7 matchup (via Draft Sharks).
Pedal Achilles Tear Grade 3 (2025)
Deshaun once again tore his Achilles, for which he underwent surgery on January 9 (via Draft Sharks).
Deshaun Watson Injuries Sustained in College
Knee ACL Tear Grade 3 (2014)
During practice, Watson tore his left ACL. On November 29, 2014, he played against South Carolina despite the injury, as per Draft Sharks.
Knee LCL Sprain Grade 2 (2014)
Watson sustained a left LCL sprain vs Georgia Tech.
Hand Finger Fracture Grade 1 (2014)
Watson fractured his finger, costing him three games. He returned against Georgia Tech, as per Draft Sharks.
Shoulder Clavicle Fracture Grade 1 (2014)
During a spring scrimmage, Watson's collarbone slightly cracked on April 7, 2014.
FAQs on Deshaun Watson
A. Deshaun Watson won a championship in his senior season in 2016.
A. DeShaun Watson attended Clemson University from 2014 to 2016.
A. Deshaun Watson wears jersey number 4 for the Cleveland Browns,
A. Deshaun Watson was born in Gainesville, Georgia on September 14, 1995.
