Terrell Watson

Last updated

Terrell Watson
No. 35, 39
Position: Running back
Personal information
Born: (1993-08-22) August 22, 1993 (age 30)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school: Oxnard (CA)
College: Azusa Pacific
Undrafted: 2015
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts:14
Rushing yards:36
Rushing touchdowns:1
Receptions:1
Receiving yards:5

Terrell Anthony Watson (born August 22, 1993) is a former American football running back. He played college football at Azusa Pacific. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

Contents

Watson has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Diego Fleet.

Early years

Watson was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 22, 1993, and was raised by his maternal grandparents Billy and Janice Watson after his mother abandoned him. [1] Watson's mother was 15 years old at the time. [1]

Watson went on to star in football at Oxnard High School in Oxnard, California. [1] In 2010, he led the entire CIF in rushing, finishing with 2,905 yards (along with 37 touchdowns) to rank sixth in the nation. [2]

In 2016, Watson began to open up about his background, talking about his speech impediment, and bullying that occurred due to his lisp. He talked with a lisp, had an inability to read and found it difficult to understand simple concepts in elementary school, which caused him to be bullied, teased and looked down upon by fellow pupils. However, Watson overcame his early-life struggles, moving from remedial-level or special education classes to normal classes by late middle school, which he credited to his teachers who helped him. Due to his educational background, he did not receive any scholarship offers coming out of high school, which led him to Azusa Pacific. [3] [4]

College career

During his college career, Watson scored 79 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 6,000 yards for Azusa Pacific. [5] He broke every rushing record at the school, which were previously held by NFL player Christian Okoye.

Watson ran for 2,212 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior in the 2014 season. [5] He went on to be named MVP of the January 2015 edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. [6]

Professional career

After completing his senior season, Watson declared for the NFL draft and received an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. On January 17, 2015, Watson had nine carries for 55 yards and a touchdown as the National team won the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and defeated the American team 17-0. Watson and the National team were coached by former St. Louis Rams' head coach Mike Martz as Watson won the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl MVP award for his performance. [7] Watson was not among the 35 collegiate running backs who received an invitation to the NFL Combine. [8] On March 9, 2015, Watson participated at Azusa Pacific's pro day, along with five other teammates. He performed positional and combine drills for team representatives and scouts from 15 NFL teams. Running backs coaches from the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals attended Azusa’s pro day, with the Texans' coach primarily running his workout. Watson attended a pre-draft visit with the Bengals and received the most interest from them. [9] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Watson was projected to be a seventh round pick or priority undrafted free agent by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the 25th best running back in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. [10]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeight 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 2 in
(1.88 m)		240 lb
(109 kg)		4.51 s1.57 s2.64 s4.49 s7.48 s35+1⁄2 in
(0.90 m)		10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)		22 reps
All values from Azusa Pacific's Pro Day [11]

Cincinnati Bengals

On May 2, 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Watson to a three-year, $1.58 million contract after he went undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft. [12] Throughout training camp, Watson competed for a roster spot against BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Rex Burkhead, Cedric Peerman, and James Wilder Jr. [13] On September 5, 2015, the Bengals waived Watson and signed him to their practice squad the following day, where he spent the entire 2015 season. [14] [15] [16]

Cleveland Browns

On January 21, 2016, the Cleveland Browns signed Watson to a reserve/futures contract. [17]

Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot against Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert, Rajion Neal, and Jahwan Edwards. [18] On September 4, 2016, he was waived by the Browns a day after making the initial 53-man roster and was signed to the practice squad the next day. [19] [20] He was released by the Browns on October 26, 2016. [21]

Denver Broncos

On November 2, 2016, Watson was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad. [22] He was released by the Broncos on December 14, 2016. [23]

Philadelphia Eagles

On December 20, 2016, Watson was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. [24] He was promoted to the active roster on December 30, 2016. [25] He scored his first career touchdown on a one-yard run on January 1, 2017, in his NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys. [26] He totaled nine carries for 28 yards in the 27–13 victory. [27] On May 4, 2017, he was released by the Eagles. [28]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On May 18, 2017, Watson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. [29] Watson agreed to a one-year, $465,000 contract. [30]

Throughout training camp, Watson competed for a roster spot against Fitzgerald Toussaint, Knile Davis, and Trey Williams. He finished the 2017 preseason with 37 carries for 173 yards and one touchdown, as well as six receptions for 47 receiving yards. Head coach Mike Tomlin named Watson the third running back on the depth chart behind Le'Veon Bell and James Conner. [31] [32] He was assigned as the short yardage and third down back.

Watson made his regular season debut in the Steelers season-opening 21-18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. [33] The following week, Watson had his first carry of the year for a one-yard gain during a 26–9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. [34] On November 25, 2017, the Steelers released Watson and was re-signed to the practice squad three days later. [35] [36] Overall, he had five carries for eight rushing yards to go along with seven kick returns for 140 net yards in the 2017 season. [37]

New York Giants

On January 24, 2018, Watson signed a reserve/future contract with the New York Giants. [38] He was waived by the Giants on May 7, 2018. [39]

Los Angeles Chargers

On August 22, 2018, Watson was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers. [40] He was waived on September 1, 2018. [41]

San Diego Fleet

On September 28, 2018, Watson was signed by the San Diego Fleet. [42] The league ceased operations in April 2019. [43]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Johnson (quarterback)</span> American football player (born 1986)

Joshua Javon Johnson is an American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He has been referred to as a classic journeyman quarterback for his stints with an NFL-record 14 different teams. He also played in the United Football League (UFL) and the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orson Charles</span> American football player (born 1991)

Orson Charles is an American former professional football player who was a tight end and fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, earning first-team All-American honors as a tight end in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L. J. Fort</span> American football player (born 1990)

Larry Fort, Jr. is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Northern Iowa and was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Driskel</span> American football player (born 1993)

Jeffrey Matthew Driskel is an American football quarterback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Driskel has played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Hogan</span> American football player (born 1992)

Kevin Michael Hogan is an American football quarterback for the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cobi Hamilton</span> American football player (born 1990)

Cobi Hamilton is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Arkansas. He was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2013 NFL draft, and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Allen (American football)</span> American football player (born 1992)

Brandon Duc Allen is an American football quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arkansas and was their starting quarterback from 2013 to 2015. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft and has also previously been a member of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Caylin Hauptmann is a former American football offensive lineman. He signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He was signed to the Seattle Seahawks in September 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kapri Bibbs</span> American football player (born 1993)

Kapri Lashaw Bibbs is a former American football running back. He played college football at Colorado State, and was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Green Bay Packers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Tomlinson</span> American football player (born 1992)

Eric Tomlinson is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at UTEP. He previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New York Jets, New England Patriots, New York Giants and Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kareem Hunt</span> American football player (born 1995)

Kareem AJ Hunt is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the Toledo Rockets and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie after leading the NFL in rushing yards but was released during his second season after being recorded physically assaulting a woman, including shoving the woman to the ground and then kicking her. Hunt signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and played five seasons with them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremy McNichols</span> American football player (born 1995)

Jeremy Theron McNichols is an American football running back for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. McNichols has also been a member of several other NFL teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Malone</span> American football player (born 1996)

Joshua Khiry Malone is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL) and the DC Defenders of the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Allen (cornerback)</span> American football player (born 1993)

Brian Allen is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football at Utah. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL) in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft, and has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Birmingham Stallions and New Orleans Saints.

Pita Taumoepenu is an American football linebacker for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Utah. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austin Calitro</span> American football player (born 1994)

Austin Calitro is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Villanova.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronnie Harrison</span> American football player (born 1997)

Ronnie Harrison Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama and was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Hunter Sharp is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Utah State.

Tyrie Cleveland is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elijah Holyfield</span> American football player (born 1997)

Elijah Esaias Holyfield is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football at Georgia. He is the son of former heavyweight world champion boxer Evander Holyfield.

References

  1. 1 2 3 DiGiovanna, Mike (November 11, 2013). "Once abandoned, Terrell Watson survives and thrives at Azusa Pacific". Los Angeles Times. ISSN   0458-3035 . Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  2. ↑ Aird, Donovan (November 19, 2010). "Playoffs have new look this season". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. S1.
  3. ↑ "Terrell Watson's amazing journey to NFL". Press of Atlantic City. December 31, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Eagles promote RB with remarkable story to roster". Penn Live. December 30, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  5. 1 2 "2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Terrell Watson". Pro Football Spot. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  6. ↑ "About the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl". nflpa.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  7. ↑ Nate Loop (January 18, 2015). "NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2015: Highlights, Top Performers Who Boosted Draft Stock". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  8. ↑ "2015 NFL Scouting Combine participants: Running backs". NFL.com. February 6, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  9. ↑ Gil Brandt (April 19, 2015). "Bengals show interest in Azusa Pacific running back at pro day". NFL.com . Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Terrell Watson, DS #25 RB, Azusa Pacific". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  11. ↑ "NFL Draft Profile: Terrell Watson". NFL.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  12. ↑ Marcum, Jason; Toback, Rebecca (May 8, 2015). "Bengals announce undrafted free agents signed". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  13. ↑ Jason Marcum (July 21, 2015). "How Rex Burkhead at WR impacts Bengals roster". cincyjungle.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  14. ↑ Toback, Rebecca (September 5, 2015). "Bengals roster cuts: Bengals 53-man roster 2015". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  15. ↑ Kirkendall, Josh (September 6, 2015). "Cincinnati Bengals 2015 practice squad announced". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  16. ↑ Coley Harvey (September 6, 2015). "Each player on Bengals' practice squad opened camp with them". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Browns sign RB Terrell Watson". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns depth chart: 07/01/2016". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Browns claim 5 players, sign 4 to practice squad". ClevelandBrowns.com. September 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017.
  20. ↑ "Browns complete practice squad with 3 signings". ClevelandBrowns.com. September 5, 2016. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Browns sign 3 to practice squad". Browns.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  22. ↑ Swanson, Ben (November 2, 2016). "Broncos sign RB Terrell Watson to practice squad". DenverBroncos.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2018.
  23. ↑ Swanson, Ben (December 14, 2016). "Broncos sign RB Zac Brooks, released Terrell Watson from practice squad". DenverBroncos.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Eagles Sign RB Terrell Watson To Practice Squad, Release TE Marcel Jensen". NFLTradeRumors.com. December 20, 2016.
  25. ↑ Stokes, Frankie (December 30, 2016). "Terrell Watson Will Make Debut Vs. Dallas". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  26. ↑ Weinberg, David (January 1, 2017). "Eagles beat Cowboys in season finale". The Press of Atlantic City.
  27. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - January 1st, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  28. ↑ Mangels, Dave (May 4, 2017). "Eagles release three players". BleedingGreenNation.com.
  29. ↑ Varley, Teresa (May 18, 2017). "Green released; Watson signed". Steelers.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Spotrac.com: Terrell Watson contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  31. ↑ Rotowire staff (September 6, 2017). "Steelers' Terrell Watson: Listed at bottom of depth chart". cbssports.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  32. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart: 09/01/2017". ourlads.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  33. ↑ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - September 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  34. ↑ "NFL Player Profile: Terrell Watson". NFL.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  35. ↑ Varley, Teresa (November 25, 2017). "Steelers activate Toussaint". Steelers.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  36. ↑ Sam Quinn (November 28, 2017). "Pittsburgh Steelers sign Terrell Watson to practice squad". 247sports.com. Retrieved December 10, 2017.[ dead link ]
  37. ↑ "Terrell Watson 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Former Steelers' RB Terrell Watson signs with Giants". 247Sports.com. January 24, 2018.
  39. ↑ Eisen, Michael (May 7, 2018). "Giants waive five players ahead of rookie minicamp". Giants.com. Archived from the original on May 8, 2018.
  40. ↑ Henne, Ricky (August 22, 2018). "Bolts Sign RB Terrell Watson". Chargers.com.
  41. ↑ Henne, Ricky (September 1, 2018). "Chargers Cut Roster Down to 53". Chargers.com.
  42. ↑ Nguyen, Alexander (September 28, 2018). "San Diego AAF Pro Football Team, the Fleet, Signs Former USD, Poway Star". Times of San Diego. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  43. ↑ Rothstein, Michael; Wickersham, Seth (June 13, 2019). "Inside the short, unhappy life of the Alliance of American Football". ESPN.com . Retrieved January 9, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.