Watson tour hits London
After offseason of globe-trotting, quarterback ready to play on international stage
LONDON — Deshaun Watson got baptized in the Jordan River in Jerusalem as part of his spiritual journey this offseason.
The Texans quarterback stood on a camel by the pyramids of Egypt, a photograph popularized on social media channels.
A student of history, Watson satisfied some of his curiosity about the world during his extensive travels.
One of the most personally significant moments for Watson was a simpler one: teaching the game of football on an English countryside.
Watson has become a global ambassador for the game.
It’s a heady responsibility embraced by a 24-year-old whose multidimensional game will be on display internationally against Jacksonville on Sunday in front of 90,000 at historic Wembley Stadium.
Watson frequently references his humble beginnings growing up in public housing in Gainesville, Ga., and of the example of hard work established by his mother, a cancer survivor.
Playing this game is personally significant for Watson, one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
“Every time I do sit down and reminisce and talk about my story and just think about where I come from, it’s always like a butterfly feeling just because of where I came from and how hard I’ve worked to get to the position I’m in,” Watson said. “It’s truly a blessing. I’ve had a lot of people help me get to where I’m at, so I have so many people to thank and love. Just to be able to be in this position, be on this stage talking to you guys in London, as a kid I never thought that I would be able to travel and do the things I did, just because of the environment I grew up in.
“It’s a blessing. It’s a great opportunity and it’s something that I always wrote down, especially when I got to high school, dreaming big to be able to play over in London and try to have my name personally global, a global brand, and be able to do the things we’re doing now. It’s definitely awesome to think about it.”
After visiting the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Egypt and China during the spring, Watson has become a seasoned traveler. He held football camps during each of his trips, throwing passes with his private coach Quincy Avery and making friends along the way.
Watson went to England twice over the summer, touring Wembley Stadium, including walking the field and seeing the locker rooms.
Watson went to flea markets in London, soaking up the atmosphere and local scene and trying different cuisine.
“Just kind of did the whole London feel,” Watson said.
Now, Watson is looking forward to showcasing his improvisational skills and his teammates’ abilities. This is a pivotal AFC South divisional game. If the Texans win, they’ll improve to 6-3 heading into a week off.
“It’s a dope opportunity, not just for me, but this whole team and this organization to be able to have the chance to play in front of the world and for us to play in a different environment and different crowd,” Watson said. “We’re actually looking forward to it.”
Watson is a popular figure in NFL circles, with his No. 4 jersey the 12th-ranked seller on NFL Shop during the spring. He ranked fifth on the list of jersey sales at one point as a rookie and has continued to rack up endorsement deals with Nike, Beats by Dre and several other brands.
Watson’s rise from an Atlanta Falcons ball boy to a blue-chip recruit, consensus All-American and national championship game winner to a first-round draft pick and recognition as one of the best quarterbacks is something the Texans are proud of.
“It’s great because he represents our brand in an exceptional way,” Texans team president Jamey Rootes said. “As amazing as he is as a quarterback, he’s just an outstanding human being. He’s the kind of person we want to have representing the city of Houston. It’s a real advantage for us to have such an engaging, likable guy like Deshaun.”
Practicing at the Hazelwood Centre, home of the London Irish rugby club this week, Watson is still dealing with the lingering effects of being kicked in his left eye by Raiders defensive end Arden Key. His eye is bloodshot and slightly swollen and he is contemplating wearing a clear visor Sunday. Watson insists that the injury won’t affect his ability to run the offense.
And his teammates have come to expect the exceptional from Watson, the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Month after winning three of four starts and passing for 1,293 yards, 10 touchdowns and rushing for two scores in October.
“Deshaun is playing Deshaun football,” Texans All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. “He’s one of the best to do it right now. So, I’m pretty sure he’s going to continue to do what he has to do to help this team win.”
Between his toughness, poise, arm strength and athleticism, Watson remains the central figure for a playoff contender one year after leading the Texans to an AFC South division title. This year, he has upgraded his pocket awareness and is delivering the football faster.
“He’s a great player,” Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “Every time he steps on the field, we have a chance to win. He’s capable of making great plays and hopefully he can keep doing that for us whenever we take the field.”
When Watson breaks the huddle Sunday morning, the world will be watching.
They’ll see how Watson executes playaction fakes, his timing on deep balls and his penchant for scrambling by design or when things unravel in the pocket.
Visiting a country that loves soccer, Watson wants to show the best elements of the American version of football.
“Just, I guess, the way I play,” Watson said. “Deshaun Watson is a playmaker, is a great quarterback, a great teammate, represents this sport, American football, NFL, the right way and loves to have fun and is very exciting to watch, especially in person. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to be able to see that.”