Deshaun Watson

American quarterback who led Clemson to 2016 National Championship, twice Heisman Trophy runner-up, now plays professionally in the NFL

Born September 14, 1995, in Gainesville, Georgia, Deshaun Derrick Watson emerged from humble beginnings to become one of college football's most celebrated quarterbacks. Raised by his single mother Deann Watson in public housing, he overcame early financial hardships while developing his athletic talents at Gainesville High School, where he threw for over 17,000 yards and 218 touchdowns across his prep career. Watson's collegiate career at Clemson University from 2014-2016 established him as one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in ACC history. He led the Tigers to consecutive College Football Playoff National Championship appearances, suffering a narrow 45-40 defeat to Alabama in 2015 before claiming redemption the following year. His performance in the 2017 National Championship Game against Alabama stands as one of college football's greatest individual efforts, throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns while adding 43 rushing yards in Clemson's dramatic 35-31 victory, capped by his game-winning touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with one second remaining. During his three-year Clemson tenure, Watson compiled exceptional statistics: 10,168 passing yards, 1,934 rushing yards, and 116 total touchdowns. He became the first player in FBS history to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season (2015). His achievements earned him two Heisman Trophy runner-up finishes (2015, 2016), the 2016 Davey O'Brien Award, and multiple ACC Player of the Year honors. Watson's legacy centers on his transformative impact on Clemson's program, elevating the Tigers from regional contender to national champion. His dual-threat capabilities and clutch performances in high-stakes games redefined quarterback play in the modern era. The Houston Texans selected him 12th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, though his professional career has been overshadowed by legal controversies and an 11-game suspension in 2022. Despite these setbacks, his college achievements remain untarnished, representing the pinnacle of individual quarterback excellence in contemporary college football.

Dual-threat quarterback with strong arm, excellent mobility, and leadership skills

One of the most successful quarterbacks in Clemson history who helped establish the program as a national powerhouse

• National Championship (2016)
• Heisman Trophy runner-up 2x
• Davey O'Brien Award
• ACC Player of Year