Derrick Deshaun Watson, born on September 14, 1995, in Gainesville, Georgia, is a professional football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Watson’s career has been a mix of remarkable athletic achievements and serious controversies. Despite personal and professional challenges, he remains a pivotal figure in football.
In this article, we will explore Deshaun Watson’s career, net worth, controversies, early life, achievements, and lesser-known facts.
Deshaun Watson Short Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derrick Deshaun Watson |
| Profession | Football Quarterback |
| Hometown | Gainesville, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1995 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 223 lbs (101 kg) |
| Team | Cleveland Browns |
| NFL Draft | 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 |
| College | Clemson University |
| Major Achievements | 3× Pro Bowl, 2016 National Champion, NFL Passing Yards Leader (2020) |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Deshaun Watson was born to Deann Watson and Don Richardson in Gainesville, Georgia. Raised by a single mother in a Habitat for Humanity home, donated by former NFL player Warrick Dunn, Watson’s humble beginnings played a significant role in shaping his outlook on life. He attended Gainesville High School, where he excelled as a quarterback and set Georgia state records for total yards (17,134), touchdowns (218), and passing touchdowns (155).
Watson verbally committed to Clemson University as the top quarterback recruit of the 2014 class. At Clemson, Watson quickly became a sensation, leading the Tigers to an undefeated 2015 season and a national championship victory in 2016.
College Career Highlights
At Clemson, Watson achieved numerous accolades:
- 2015 ACC Player of the Year
- Davey O’Brien Award (2015, 2016)
- 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship MVP
He led Clemson to its first national title since 1981, defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 CFP National Championship, throwing a last-second game-winning touchdown to Hunter Renfrow.
NFL Career
Houston Texans (2017–2021)
Watson was drafted 12th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite an injury-shortened rookie season, Watson broke several records, including:
- Most passing touchdowns by a rookie in a calendar month (16).
- First NFL rookie with over 400 passing yards and 4+ TD passes in a single game.
Watson led the Texans to back-to-back AFC South titles in 2018 and 2019 and was the NFL Passing Yards Leader in 2020, finishing the season with 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and a 112.4 passer rating, the highest in franchise history.
Cleveland Browns (2022–Present)
Watson joined the Browns in 2022 after signing a record-breaking five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. However, his first season with Cleveland was marred by an 11-game suspension due to off-field controversies.
In 2024, Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, marking the second major injury of his career. Despite these setbacks, Watson’s resilience continues to define his career.
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Deshaun Watson’s net worth is estimated to be $55 million. His income comes primarily from:
- NFL Contracts: Watson signed a $230 million fully guaranteed deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
- Endorsements: Before the controversies, Watson had deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, and other brands.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| NFL Contract | $230 million (2022–2027) |
| Annual Salary (2025) | $46 million |
| Endorsements | Previously with Nike, Beats |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $55 million |
Controversies and Allegations
Sexual Assault Allegations
In 2021, Watson faced 22 civil lawsuits from massage therapists alleging sexual harassment and assault. The lawsuits included claims of inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. Watson has consistently denied wrongdoing, though he settled 20 of the lawsuits.
NFL Suspension
As a result of the allegations, Watson received an 11-game suspension, a $5 million fine, and mandatory counseling. Despite avoiding criminal charges, the lawsuits and subsequent suspension severely impacted Watson’s reputation and endorsement deals.
Achievements and Records
NFL Records:
- Most Passing TDs in a Single Game by a Rookie: 5 (tied).
- Most Passing TDs by a Rookie in a Calendar Month: 16.
- First Player in NFL History: 400+ passing yards, 4+ TDs, and 50+ rushing yards in a single game.
Texans Franchise Records:
- Most Passing Yards in a Single Season: 4,823.
- Most Consecutive Games with a Passing TD: 20.
Awards:
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection (2018–2020).
- NFL Passing Yards Leader (2020).
- 2016 CFP National Championship Offensive MVP.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 223 lbs (101 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | Multiple |
Lesser-Known Facts
- Watson donated his first NFL paycheck ($27,000) to stadium workers affected by Hurricane Harvey.
- He wore #4 at Clemson, a retired number, with permission from Steve Fuller.
- Watson’s Habitat for Humanity home was donated by NFL star Warrick Dunn.
- Despite controversies, Watson remains one of the most accurate quarterbacks in NFL history (career 66.2% completion rate).
- Watson graduated from Clemson with a degree in communications in just three years.
FAQs
Q: What is Deshaun Watson’s net worth?
A: Deshaun Watson’s net worth is estimated at $55 million as of 2025.
Q: Why was Deshaun Watson suspended?
A: Watson was suspended for 11 games in 2022 due to sexual misconduct allegations.
Q: What team does Deshaun Watson play for?
A: He plays for the Cleveland Browns.
Q: How many Pro Bowls has Watson made?
A: Watson has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times (2018–2020).
Q: What is Deshaun Watson’s career passing yards total?
A: Watson has 17,904 career passing yards as of 2024.
Q: What is Watson’s largest contract?
A: Watson signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Browns in 2022.
Conclusion
Deshaun Watson’s journey in the NFL is a mix of outstanding athletic achievements and significant personal controversies. While his talent on the field is undeniable, his career remains overshadowed by off-field allegations. As he recovers from his latest injury, the future of Watson’s career will depend on his ability to stay healthy and rebuild his reputation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently.
