American wide receiver who plays for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL, known for his speed and big-play ability in his rookie season.
Born September 9, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, Watson grew up in a military family before settling in North Dakota during his high school years. He attended Bismarck Century High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field, establishing himself as a dual-sport standout. His athletic versatility and raw speed caught the attention of college recruiters, leading him to North Dakota State University to continue his football career while maintaining his track involvement. Watson played five seasons at North Dakota State from 2018 to 2022, developing into one of the premier receivers in the Football Championship Subdivision. He helped the Bison capture multiple national championships while steadily improving his receiving skills and route-running technique. His track background translated into exceptional speed on the football field, making him a consistent deep threat for the Bison's passing attack. The Green Bay Packers selected Watson in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 34th overall pick. His NFL breakthrough came during his rookie season when he caught three touchdown passes against the Dallas Cowboys on November 13, 2022, announcing his arrival as a legitimate deep threat. Watson's combination of size at 6-foot-4 and sub-4.4 speed created matchup problems for opposing defenses. He continued his development in 2023, establishing himself as a primary target for quarterback Jordan Love while demonstrating improved consistency in his route-running and catch reliability. Watson represents the modern NFL's emphasis on athletic versatility and explosive playmaking ability. His transition from a smaller college program to NFL success exemplifies how track-and-field background can translate into football excellence. As one of the league's most dangerous vertical threats, Watson has become integral to Green Bay's offensive identity, providing the big-play capability essential to contemporary passing attacks. His continued development suggests potential for sustained impact as a premier deep receiver.
Being selected 34th overall by Green Bay Packers in 2022 NFL Draft
How They Played
Deep threat receiver with exceptional speed and ability to stretch the field vertically
Career Honours
- Pro Bowl 2x
- Green Bay Packers WR
- FCS National Champion
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 2022–2024 | 47 | #19 |
| North Dakota State | 2018–2021 | 52 | — |