Ben Watson (American football)
Benjamin Watson (born December 18, 1980) is a former American football tight end who played sixteen seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 2004 to 2019.[1] Drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots, he contributed to their Super Bowl XXXIX victory in his rookie year and later played for the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and returned to the Patriots.[1][2] Over his career, Watson recorded 547 receptions for 6,058 yards and 44 touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable blocker and receiver.[1] Watson's professional journey began at the University of Georgia after transferring from Duke, where his athletic prowess earned him second-team All-SEC honors in 2003.[1] Selected 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, he quickly adapted to the professional level, catching 23 passes in his debut season en route to the Patriots' championship win over the Philadelphia Eagles.[2] Despite not earning Pro Bowl selections, his longevity and consistency—spanning multiple franchises and comebacks from retirement—highlighted his durability and work ethic, culminating in a final season with the Patriots in 2019 before announcing his retirement in March 2020.[3][1] Beyond the field, Watson has been recognized for exemplary character, receiving the 2018 Bart Starr Award for integrity and leadership.[4] Post-retirement, he transitioned into roles as a college football analyst for the SEC Network, author, and speaker, often addressing faith, family values, and social issues from a perspective rooted in Christian principles.[5]Early life and education
Childhood and family background
Benjamin Watson was born on December 18, 1980, in Norfolk, Virginia, as the eldest of six children in a family with strong athletic ties.[6][7] His parents, Ken and Diana Watson, raised the family primarily in Norfolk, where Diana served as the primary caretaker amid a household emphasizing discipline and faith.[8][9] Ken Watson had played football at the University of Maryland, while Diana had competed as a synchronized swimmer, fostering an environment where sports and physical activity were integral.[10] The Watson siblings, including younger brother Asa who later pursued an NFL career before becoming a missionary, grew up immersed in competitive athletics and Christian values, with family involvement in organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes shaping early experiences.[11][12] In 1995, during Watson's sophomore year of high school, the family relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina, marking a transition that influenced his subsequent athletic development.[13]High school career
Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he was a letterman in football.[7][1] As a two-time All-Region selection, he excelled as a tight end, contributing to his team's playoff appearance.[7] In his senior year of 1999, Watson recorded 31 receptions for 515 yards, earning recognition as the school's Student of the Year.[7][14] His high school performance highlighted his athletic potential, leading to recruitment by college programs, including an initial commitment to Duke before enrolling at the University of Georgia.[15]College career at Georgia
Watson transferred to the University of Georgia from Duke prior to the 2001 season, where he had limited playing time as a freshman. Over three seasons with the Bulldogs from 2001 to 2003, he appeared in 37 games, primarily as a tight end known for his blocking and receiving ability. His college receiving statistics at Georgia totaled 65 receptions for 852 yards and 6 touchdowns.[16][17] In the 2002 season, Watson recorded 31 receptions for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns, contributing to Georgia's SEC championship win under head coach Mark Richt.[18][19] Following that campaign, he opted to return for his senior year rather than enter the NFL Draft early.[20] As a senior in 2003, Watson served as an offensive captain and earned second-team All-SEC honors from multiple outlets, recognizing his improved production and leadership on a team that finished 10-3.[21][17] His performance that year helped solidify his status as a first-round NFL prospect, leading to his selection by the New England Patriots in the 2004 Draft.[1]NFL playing career
Draft and pre-NFL preparation
Watson declared for the 2004 NFL Draft following his senior season at the University of Georgia, where he had established himself as a versatile tight end with strong blocking and receiving skills.[22] His pre-draft evaluation highlighted exceptional athleticism for his position, including the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.53 seconds) among tight end participants at the NFL Scouting Combine and strong performances in agility drills.[22] At the Combine, held February 18–24, 2004, in Indianapolis, Watson measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and 252 pounds, recording a 4.57-second 40-yard dash (91st percentile among tight ends), a 35.5-inch vertical jump (77th percentile), a 123-inch broad jump (89th percentile), a 4.15-second 20-yard shuttle (92nd percentile), and 34 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.[23] He also impressed at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, on January 31, 2004, showcasing reliable hands and route-running in all-star competition.[22] Scouting reports praised Watson's speed, hands, and potential as a mismatch weapon, though some noted areas for improvement in route polish and blocking consistency against NFL defenders.[24] The New England Patriots selected him 32nd overall in the first round on April 24, 2004, the final pick of the round, viewing him as a long-term successor to aging tight ends and a complement to their offensive scheme under coach Bill Belichick.[25] [26] Post-draft, Watson engaged in offseason conditioning but held out from the Patriots' training camp, which opened July 29, 2004, amid negotiations for his rookie contract—a standard four-year deal worth approximately $4.8 million, including a $2.2 million signing bonus for a late first-round pick.[27] He signed the contract on August 16, 2004, allowing him to join practices and prepare for the regular season debut.[28] This delay meant accelerated integration into team drills, focusing on playbook mastery and physical conditioning to adapt to professional demands.[28]New England Patriots (2004–2009)
The New England Patriots selected Benjamin Watson in the first round, 32nd overall, of the 2004 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia.[1] As a rookie tight end, Watson appeared in one regular-season game, recording 2 receptions for 16 yards, before suffering a knee injury during preparations for the Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on September 26, 2004.[29] Placed on injured reserve on September 29, 2004, he missed the remainder of the regular season and playoffs but remained on the roster for the Patriots' 24–21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, 2005, earning a championship ring.[30][1] In 2005, Watson emerged as a contributor with 29 receptions for 441 yards and 4 touchdowns over 15 games, including his first NFL touchdown.[1] He added 5 catches for 91 yards and 1 touchdown in two playoff games. The following year, 2006, marked a breakout with career highs at the time of 49 receptions for 643 yards and 3 touchdowns in 13 games; in the playoffs, he recorded 10 receptions for 81 yards across three games, highlighted by a 93-yard pursuit to tackle Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey at the 1-yard line after Bailey's 100-yard interception return during the January 14 divisional round loss, preventing a potential touchdown.[1][31] Watson's 2007 season saw 36 receptions for 389 yards and a team-leading 6 touchdowns in 12 games, aiding the Patriots' perfect 16–0 regular-season record; he contributed 3 catches for 20 yards and 2 touchdowns in three playoff games en route to Super Bowl XLII.[1][32] Production dipped in 2008 to 22 receptions for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns over 14 games, hampered by injuries that caused him to miss 10 games across 2005–2008.[1][33] He rebounded in 2009 with 29 receptions for 404 yards and 5 touchdowns in all 16 games, plus 1 catch for 3 yards in the wild-card playoff loss.[1]| Year | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 0 |
| 2005 | 15 | 29 | 441 | 4 |
| 2006 | 13 | 49 | 643 | 3 |
| 2007 | 12 | 36 | 389 | 6 |
| 2008 | 14 | 22 | 209 | 2 |
| 2009 | 16 | 29 | 404 | 5 |
Cleveland Browns (2010–2012)
On March 12, 2010, Watson signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth $12 million, including $6.35 million in guaranteed money.[35] [36] In the 2010 season, Watson started all 16 games for the first time in his career, recording 68 receptions for 763 yards and three touchdowns, which led the Browns in receiving yards. [37] His performance included a career-high 10 receptions in a Week 14 victory over the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2010, marking his first game with double-digit catches.[38] During the 2011 season, Watson appeared in 13 games with 11 starts, totaling 37 receptions for 410 yards and two touchdowns before suffering his third concussion of the year.[39] [1] The Browns placed him on injured reserve following the injury, limiting his participation amid ongoing health concerns.[40] In 2012, Watson started all 16 games, achieving 49 receptions for 501 yards.[41] [1] His contributions included a season-long 27-yard reception and consistent production as a reliable target in the Browns' passing attack.[42] Watson became an unrestricted free agent after the season concluded.[43]New Orleans Saints (2013–2015)
On March 17, 2013, the New Orleans Saints signed unrestricted free agent tight end Benjamin Watson to a three-year contract, adding veteran depth behind starter Jimmy Graham.[44] [45] In the 2013 regular season, Watson appeared in 15 games with seven starts, recording 19 receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns, primarily serving in a rotational role.[1] The Saints reached the playoffs, where Watson played in two games, catching two passes for 27 yards.[1] [46] During the 2014 season, Watson participated in all 16 games with eight starts, managing 20 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns, including a 15-yard scoring catch from Drew Brees against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 30.[1] [47] His production remained limited due to Graham's dominance as the primary tight end target.[48] Following Graham's trade to the Seattle Seahawks in March 2015, Watson assumed a starting role, appearing in all 16 games with 16 starts and achieving career highs of 74 receptions for 825 yards and six touchdowns.[1] Notable performances included 10 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, marking an unlikely career highlight at age 34, and nine catches for 147 yards and a score versus the New York Giants on November 1.[49]Baltimore Ravens (2016–2017)
On March 9, 2016, the Baltimore Ravens signed Watson to a two-year contract worth $7 million, including $3 million guaranteed, to bolster their tight end depth following injuries to other players at the position.[50][51] Watson, then 35 years old, had recorded a career-high 825 receiving yards and six touchdowns with the New Orleans Saints in 2015, making him a key free-agent addition for the Ravens' offense.[52] Watson suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the preseason on August 11, 2016, which sidelined him for the entire 2016 regular season, limiting his participation to just the preseason games.[53] In June 2017, ahead of the new season, Watson restructured his contract by reducing his base salary from $3 million to $1.25 million—a cut of $1.75 million—to provide the Ravens with additional salary cap space, which facilitated the signing of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.[54][55] Returning from injury in 2017, Watson started 12 of 16 games, leading the Ravens in receptions with 61 for 522 yards (8.6 average) and four touchdowns.[56] Notable performances included a four-reception, 74-yard effort with a 33-yard touchdown catch during a 27–10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2017.[57] For his resilience in overcoming the Achilles injury and contributions to the team, Watson received the Ravens' 2017 Ed Block Courage Award, an honor recognizing players who exemplify courage, compassion, and community commitment.[57] Watson became an unrestricted free agent upon the contract's expiration after the 2017 season.Return to New Orleans Saints (2018)
On March 28, 2018, the New Orleans Saints signed unrestricted free agent tight end Benjamin Watson to a one-year contract worth up to $2 million, with $645,000 guaranteed.[58][59] The 37-year-old Watson, who had previously played for the Saints from 2013 to 2015, returned after spending two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, providing veteran depth at the position amid ongoing needs following the departure of Coby Fleener.[60][61] Watson's integration into the team included a brief absence from training camp starting late July 2018, during which he missed practices for personal reasons, but he rejoined the squad on August 6 without apparent long-term impact on his preparation.[62] In the regular season, he appeared in all 16 games, primarily as a rotational tight end and blocker, recording 35 receptions for 400 yards and two touchdowns on 11.4 yards per catch.[63][64] His production served as a reliable secondary option behind starter Josh Hill, complementing quarterback Drew Brees in the Saints' pass-heavy offense that led the NFL in scoring.[63] During the playoffs, Watson contributed modestly but consistently, catching four passes for 50 yards across the Saints' postseason run, including the divisional victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFC Championship Game loss to the Los Angeles Rams.[1] His tenure reinforced the Saints' emphasis on experienced leadership in the tight end room, though the unit's overall output remained modest compared to elite NFL counterparts.[65] Watson became an unrestricted free agent again after the season, eventually signing with the New England Patriots in May 2019.[66]Second stint with New England Patriots (2019–2020)
Watson signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $800,000 with the New England Patriots on May 10, 2019, marking his return to the team where he began his NFL career.[67][68] At age 38, he joined a tight end group depleted by Rob Gronkowski's retirement and other departures, providing veteran depth and experience.[69] Watson served a four-game suspension at the season's start for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, missing the Patriots' first four contests.[70] Eligible thereafter, he returned to practice following Week 4 but was not activated for the Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants and was released on October 7, 2019, freeing approximately $2 million in salary cap space.[71] The team re-signed him on October 15, 2019, to a reworked deal with $800,000 in guaranteed money, addressing injuries at the position.[72][73] In 10 regular-season games (8 starts) after rejoining the active roster, Watson recorded 17 receptions for 173 receiving yards, averaging 10.2 yards per catch, with a long of 26 yards and no touchdowns.[1] He appeared in the Patriots' AFC Wild Card playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans on January 4, 2020, catching 3 passes for 38 yards.[1] Throughout the season, Watson played despite sustaining a torn Achilles tendon, an injury he disclosed on January 17, 2020, crediting recovery methods for enabling him to continue.[74] Watson announced his retirement from professional football on March 16, 2020, concluding his second tenure with New England after one injury-impacted season.[3] He did not play in 2020, opting instead to end his 15-year NFL career with the franchise that drafted him in 2004.[1]Career statistics and achievements
Regular season and playoff statistics
Watson's NFL regular season statistics, primarily as a tight end focused on receiving, spanned 16 seasons from 2004 to 2019 across four teams, totaling 205 games played with 547 receptions for 6,058 yards and 44 touchdowns.[1] [75]| Year | Team | G | GS | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | NWE | 1 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 |
| 2005 | NWE | 15 | 9 | 29 | 441 | 15.2 | 4 |
| 2006 | NWE | 13 | 13 | 49 | 643 | 13.1 | 3 |
| 2007 | NWE | 12 | 8 | 36 | 389 | 10.8 | 6 |
| 2008 | NWE | 14 | 9 | 22 | 209 | 9.5 | 2 |
| 2009 | NWE | 16 | 7 | 29 | 404 | 13.9 | 5 |
| 2010 | CLE | 16 | 16 | 68 | 763 | 11.2 | 3 |
| 2011 | CLE | 13 | 11 | 37 | 410 | 11.1 | 2 |
| 2012 | CLE | 16 | 14 | 49 | 501 | 10.2 | 3 |
| 2013 | NOR | 15 | 7 | 19 | 226 | 11.9 | 2 |
| 2014 | NOR | 16 | 8 | 20 | 136 | 6.8 | 2 |
| 2015 | NOR | 16 | 16 | 74 | 825 | 11.1 | 6 |
| 2017 | BAL | 16 | 12 | 61 | 522 | 8.6 | 4 |
| 2018 | NOR | 16 | 4 | 35 | 400 | 11.4 | 2 |
| 2019 | NWE | 10 | 8 | 17 | 173 | 10.2 | 0 |
| Career | 205 | 133 | 547 | 6,058 | 11.1 | 44 |
| Year | Team | G | GS | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | NWE | 2 | 2 | 5 | 91 | 18.2 | 1 |
| 2006 | NWE | 3 | 2 | 10 | 81 | 8.1 | 0 |
| 2007 | NWE | 3 | 3 | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 2 |
| 2009 | NWE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 |
| 2013 | NOR | 2 | 2 | 2 | 27 | 13.5 | 0 |
| 2018 | NOR | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 |
| 2019 | NWE | 1 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 12.7 | 0 |
| Career | 13 | 9 | 25 | 272 | 10.9 | 3 |