Deshaun Watson, an accomplished American professional football player, has an estimated net worth of $60 million. He entered the NFL in 2017 after playing for Clemson University, where he gained recognition as a star quarterback. Watson’s remarkable skills led to him being drafted by the Houston Texans, where he became one of the league’s most well-known quarterbacks. Throughout his career, he has achieved several accolades, setting numerous records along the way.
Career Achievements and Early Success
During his time at Clemson, Watson was widely celebrated. He earned several prestigious awards, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award, and the Dave O’Brien Award. Watson’s performance played a significant role in his college team winning the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship. His status as a consensus All-American and the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 cemented his reputation as a top-tier talent. These achievements ultimately led to his selection as the 12th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.
Record-Breaking Performance in the NFL
Watson has set a series of NFL records that have marked him as one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. Notably, he holds the highest career completion percentage in NFL history at 67.8%. His ranking remains impressive, placing him #2 for all-time career passing completion percentage. Despite facing legal challenges, Watson has maintained a strong on-field presence, showcasing exceptional skills. He has also been highly regarded for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The Controversial 2021-2022 Season
In 2021, Watson found himself embroiled in multiple sexual misconduct lawsuits. This situation led to him sitting out the entire season. While this tumultuous period affected his career, Watson eventually found a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns. The team acquired him in March 2022, following the resolution of some of his legal issues. However, his performance with the Browns was inconsistent, and he was sidelined with a shoulder injury in November 2023, effectively ending his season.
Watson’s Contracts and Financial Details
Watson’s financial journey in the NFL is a testament to his talent and the market value of top quarterbacks. His first professional contract, a four-year deal worth $13.84 million, was signed with the Houston Texans in May 2017. This deal included a substantial $8.21 million signing bonus. Watson’s subsequent contract extensions were even more lucrative. In 2020, he secured a four-year, $156 million extension with the Texans, featuring a $27 million signing bonus. This contract would have given him an annual salary of $39 million on average.
However, following his legal challenges, Watson sought a trade, which came to fruition in March 2022. The Cleveland Browns signed him to a groundbreaking five-year contract worth $230 million, with a $45 million signing bonus. This contract was fully guaranteed, marking a significant financial milestone for Watson. Despite the challenges, he earned $92 million in his first two seasons with the Browns, averaging $7.7 million per game.
Legal Troubles and Allegations
Watson’s career took a sharp turn in March 2021 when a Houston massage therapist filed a civil lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual misconduct. The number of lawsuits quickly grew, with over 20 women making similar claims. In response, Watson’s lawyer alleged that the accusations were part of an extortion attempt. Some massage therapists, however, defended Watson’s character, adding complexity to the case.
These allegations led to significant consequences off the field. Major brands, including Nike and Beats by Dre, suspended their endorsement deals with him. However, in March 2022, a grand jury decided not to indict Watson on charges of sexual misconduct, even though he faced over 20 civil suits.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Deshaun Watson was born on September 14, 1995, in Gainesville, Georgia. He grew up in a family with strong roots in football, and from an early age, Watson showed promise on the field. He played quarterback for Gainesville High School, where he set numerous state records, including total touchdowns (218) and career passing yards (13,077). His high school success led him to Clemson University, where he became a star. Watson was ranked the #1 quarterback recruit of 2014 by ESPN, and his college journey began with high expectations.
College Career Highlights
At Clemson, Watson quickly established himself as one of college football’s brightest stars. His first season as a starter in 2014 was marked by impressive performances, including setting a school record by throwing six touchdown passes in a single game. However, Watson’s college career was also marred by injuries, including a torn ACL that required surgery. Despite these setbacks, Watson’s resilience helped him lead Clemson to numerous victories.
In 2015, Watson helped Clemson achieve an undefeated season and win the ACC Championship. He earned MVP honors during the 2016 College Football Playoff semifinal after leading his team to victory. Although Clemson lost in the National Championship game against Alabama, Watson set a record for most total yards in the history of the game (478). In 2016, Watson guided Clemson to a national title, winning the College Football Playoff National Championship and earning offensive MVP honors.
Transition to the NFL
Watson’s remarkable college career concluded in 2017 when he declared for the NFL Draft. The Houston Texans selected him with the 12th pick. Watson’s rookie season in the NFL was a breakthrough year. He tied the rookie touchdown record and earned several accolades, including being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week and Month. However, his promising season was cut short after he tore his ACL during practice. Despite this setback, Watson’s impact on the Texans was undeniable.
Record-Breaking NFL Achievements
Watson’s time in the NFL has been marked by numerous records and milestones. Among his achievements are the most completions with a perfect passer rating (28), the most passing touchdowns by a rookie in a 7-game span (19), and the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in Texans history (17). He also holds the franchise record for most passing yards in a game by a rookie (301) and the highest passer rating in a season (112.4).
Through his remarkable career, Deshaun Watson has solidified his place as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Despite facing personal and legal challenges, his on-field accomplishments and legacy remain impressive.
