Terrell Watson

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/more/la-sp-1112-terrell-watson-20131112-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208171724/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/nov/11/sports/la-sp-1112-terrell-watson-20131112|url-status=live|archive-date=December 8, 2013|title=Once abandoned, Terrell Watson survives and thrives at Azusa Pacific|last=DiGiovanna|first=Mike|date=November 11, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|access-date=April 15, 2016}} Watson's mother was 15 years old at the time.

Watson went on to star in football at Oxnard High School in Oxnard, California. In 2010, he led the entire CIF in rushing, finishing with 2,905 yards (along with 37 touchdowns) to rank sixth in the nation.{{Cite news |last=Aird |first=Donovan |date=November 19, 2010 |title=Playoffs have new look this season |pages=S1 |work=The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA)}}

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.{{cite web | url = http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/extra_points/weinberg-terrell-watson-s-amazing-journey-to-nfl/article_6479011a-2504-5fad-a5f2-43f81ef3bc8c.html | title = Terrell Watson's amazing journey to NFL | work = Press of Atlantic City | date = December 31, 2016 | access-date = January 1, 2016}}{{cite web | url = http://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/index.ssf/2016/12/philadelphia_eagles_promote_te.html | title = Eagles promote RB with remarkable story to roster | work = Penn Live | date = December 30, 2016 | access-date = January 1, 2016}}

During his college career, Watson scored 79 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 6,000 yards for Azusa Pacific.{{Cite web|url=http://profootballspot.com/index.html/nfl-draft/scouting-reports/rb/2015-nfl-draft-scouting-report-rb-terrell-watson-r6594/|title=2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Terrell Watson|website=Pro Football Spot|language=en-US|access-date=April 15, 2016}} 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. He went on to be named MVP of the January 2015 edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.{{cite web |url=http://collegiate.nflpa.com/about/ |title=About the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl |website=nflpa.com |access-date=January 30, 2023 |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131035716/http://collegiate.nflpa.com/about/ |url-status=dead }}

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.{{cite web| title=NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2015: Highlights, Top Performers Who Boosted Draft Stock| url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/amp/2333803-nflpa-collegiate-bowl-2015-highlights-top-performers-who-boosted-draft-stock.amp.html| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Nate Loop| date=January 18, 2015}} Watson was not among the 35 collegiate running backs who received an invitation to the NFL Combine.{{cite web| title=2015 NFL Scouting Combine participants: Running backs| url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000468981/article/2015-nfl-scouting-combine-participants-running-backs?akmobile=android&akcarrier=other| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210233826/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000468981/article/2015-nfl-scouting-combine-participants-running-backs?akmobile=android&akcarrier=other| url-status=dead| archive-date=December 10, 2017| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=NFL.com| date=February 6, 2015}} 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.{{cite web| title=Bengals show interest in Azusa Pacific running back at pro day| url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-show-interest-in-azusa-pacific-running-back-at-pro-day-0ap3000000486431| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=NFL.com| author=Gil Brandt| date=April 19, 2015}} 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.{{cite web| title=Terrell Watson, DS #25 RB, Azusa Pacific| url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=129604&draftyear=2015&genpos=RB| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=nfldraftscout.com}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 2

| weight = 240

| dash = 4.51

| ten split = 1.57

| twenty split = 2.64

| shuttle = 4.49

| cone drill = 7.48

| vertical = 35½

| broad ft = 10

| broad in = 3

| bench = 22

| wonderlic =

| arm span =

| hand span =

| note = All values from Azusa Pacific's Pro Day{{cite web| title=NFL Draft Profile: Terrell Watson| url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/terrell-watson?id=2553127| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=NFL.com}}

}}

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.{{cite web|title=Bengals announce undrafted free agents signed|url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/5/8/8565497/bengals-announce-undrafted-free-agents|last1=Marcum|first1=Jason|last2=Toback|first2=Rebecca|website=CincyJungle.com|date=May 8, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2017}} Throughout training camp, Watson competed for a roster spot against BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Rex Burkhead,

Cedric Peerman, and James Wilder Jr.{{cite web| title=How Rex Burkhead at WR impacts Bengals roster| url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/amp/2015/7/21/8719383/how-rex-burkhead-wr-impacts-bengals-roster| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Jason Marcum| date=July 21, 2015}} On September 5, 2015, the Bengals waived Watson and signed him to their practice squad the following day, where he spent the entire {{NFL Year|2015}} season.{{cite web|title=Bengals roster cuts: Bengals 53-man roster 2015|url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/5/9265317/bengals-roster-cuts-bengals-53-man-roster-2015|author=Toback, Rebecca|website=CincyJungle.com|date=September 5, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Cincinnati Bengals 2015 practice squad announced|url=http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/6/9268985/cincinnati-bengals-2015-practice-squad-announced|author=Kirkendall, Josh|website=CincyJungle.com|date=September 6, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2017}}{{cite web| title=Each player on Bengals' practice squad opened camp with them| url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/18841/bengals-practice-squad-opened-training-camp| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=ESPN.com| author=Coley Harvey| date=September 6, 2015}}

On January 21, 2016, the Cleveland Browns signed Watson to a reserve/futures contract.{{Cite web|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-RB-Terrell-Watson/09d41370-e7f7-4b89-81cc-f796a86be4dd|title=Browns sign RB Terrell Watson|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|access-date=April 15, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213553/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-RB-Terrell-Watson/09d41370-e7f7-4b89-81cc-f796a86be4dd|archive-date=December 11, 2017}}

Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot against Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert, Rajion Neal, and Jahwan Edwards.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns depth chart: 07/01/2016| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/185/CLE| access-date=December 11, 2017| website=Ourlads.com}} 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.{{cite web|title=Browns claim 5 players, sign 4 to practice squad|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-claim-5-players-sign-4-to-practice-squad/a95c38d8-8690-446a-b808-ebd134e55f44|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=September 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824094014/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-claim-5-players-sign-4-to-practice-squad/a95c38d8-8690-446a-b808-ebd134e55f44|archive-date=August 24, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Browns complete practice squad with 3 signings|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-complete-practice-squad-with-3-signings/602e6acb-526e-4570-9663-2b740fc93309|website=ClevelandBrowns.com|date=September 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213532/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-complete-practice-squad-with-3-signings/602e6acb-526e-4570-9663-2b740fc93309|archive-date=December 11, 2017}} He was released by the Browns on October 26, 2016.{{cite web|title=Browns sign 3 to practice squad|url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-3-to-practice-squad/0b3ee2ee-3ebf-44a6-8990-5d50a7f99c6a|website=Browns.com|access-date=October 26, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903032853/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-3-to-practice-squad/0b3ee2ee-3ebf-44a6-8990-5d50a7f99c6a|archive-date=September 3, 2017}}

On November 2, 2016, Watson was signed to the Denver Broncos' practice squad.{{cite web|title=Broncos sign RB Terrell Watson to practice squad|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-RB-Terrell-Watson-to-practice-squad/b458cf8d-9d2e-4af3-bd0e-4353dc085b0c|author=Swanson, Ben|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=November 2, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116145833/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-RB-Terrell-Watson-to-practice-squad/b458cf8d-9d2e-4af3-bd0e-4353dc085b0c|archive-date=January 16, 2018}} He was released by the Broncos on December 14, 2016.{{cite web|title=Broncos sign RB Zac Brooks, released Terrell Watson from practice squad|url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-RB-Zac-Brooks-released-Terrell-Watson-from-practice-squad/3c595b46-7762-46f7-9ec4-0d1ee61f3682|author=Swanson, Ben|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=December 14, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116141413/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-sign-RB-Zac-Brooks-released-Terrell-Watson-from-practice-squad/3c595b46-7762-46f7-9ec4-0d1ee61f3682|archive-date=January 16, 2018}}

On December 20, 2016, Watson was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.{{cite web|title=Eagles Sign RB Terrell Watson To Practice Squad, Release TE Marcel Jensen|url=http://nfltraderumors.co/eagles-sign-rb-terrell-watson-practice-squad-release-te-marcel-jensen/|date=December 20, 2016|website=NFLTradeRumors.com}} He was promoted to the active roster on December 30, 2016.{{cite web|title=Terrell Watson Will Make Debut Vs. Dallas|url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Terrell-Watson-Will-Make-Debut-Vs-Dallas/e600a788-3dcb-430f-b02f-b6cd32428650|author=Stokes, Frankie|website=PhiladelphiaEagles.com|date=December 30, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231075645/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Terrell-Watson-Will-Make-Debut-Vs-Dallas/e600a788-3dcb-430f-b02f-b6cd32428650}} He scored his first career touchdown on a one-yard run on January 1, 2017, in his NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite web |url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/eagles/eagles-beat-cowboys-in-season-finale/article_e5b8e0d0-5264-519e-ac46-ec4fbcb6303c.html |title=Eagles beat Cowboys in season finale |last=Weinberg |first=David |date=January 1, 2017 |website=The Press of Atlantic City}} He totaled nine carries for 28 yards in the 27–13 victory.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701010phi.htm |title=Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - January 1st, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=April 27, 2018}} On May 4, 2017, he was released by the Eagles.{{cite web|title=Eagles release three players|url=http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/5/4/15548760/philadelphia-eagles-release-terrell-watson-josh-leribeus-andrew-bonnett|author=Mangels, Dave|website=BleedingGreenNation.com|date=May 4, 2017}}

On May 18, 2017, Watson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{cite web|title=Green released; Watson signed|url=http://www.steelers.com/news/transactions/article-1/Green-released-Watson-signed/2e5ccbe5-51cd-4e09-b322-fb504a290295|author=Varley, Teresa|website=Steelers.com|date=May 18, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503084056/http://www.steelers.com/news/transactions/article-1/Green-released-Watson-signed/2e5ccbe5-51cd-4e09-b322-fb504a290295|archive-date=May 3, 2018}} Watson agreed to a one-year, $465,000 contract.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Terrell Watson contract| url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/terrell-watson-16992/| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=Spotrac.com}}

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.{{cite web| title=Steelers' Terrell Watson: Listed at bottom of depth chart| url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/steelers-terrell-watson-listed-at-bottom-of-depth-chart/amp/| access-date=December 10, 2017|

website=cbssports.com| author=Rotowire staff| date=September 6, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/199/PIT| title=Ourlads.com: Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart: 09/01/2017| access-date=October 6, 2017| website=ourlads.com}} 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.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100cle.htm |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - September 10th, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=April 27, 2018}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/terrellwatson/2553617/profile| title=NFL Player Profile: Terrell Watson| access-date=October 6, 2017| website=NFL.com}} On November 25, 2017, the Steelers released Watson and was re-signed to the practice squad three days later.{{cite web|title=Steelers activate Toussaint|url=http://www.steelers.com/news/article-4/Steelers-activate-Toussaint/8e45e37b-ca6a-4f14-bad4-ccfdb5ec557f|author=Varley, Teresa|website=Steelers.com|date=November 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131164746/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-4/Steelers-activate-Toussaint/8e45e37b-ca6a-4f14-bad4-ccfdb5ec557f|archive-date=January 31, 2018}}{{cite web| title=Pittsburgh Steelers sign Terrell Watson to practice squad| url=https://www.247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/Bolt/Pittsburgh-Steelers-sign-Terrell-Watson-to-practice-squad-111295119/Amp| access-date=December 10, 2017| website=247sports.com| author=Sam Quinn| date=November 28, 2017}}{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Overall, he had five carries for eight rushing yards to go along with seven kick returns for 140 net yards in the 2017 season.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WatsTe00/gamelog/2017 |title=Terrell Watson 2017 Game Log |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=April 27, 2018}}

On January 24, 2018, Watson signed a reserve/future contract with the New York Giants.{{cite web | last=DeArdo | first=Bryan | title=Former Steelers' RB Terrell Watson signs with Giants | website=247Sports | date=2018-01-24 | url=https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/article/former-pittsburgh-steelers-rb-terrell-watson-signs-with-the-new-york-giants-114148081/ | access-date=2025-01-23}} He was waived by the Giants on May 7, 2018.{{cite web|title=Giants waive five players ahead of rookie minicamp|url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-waive-five-players-ahead-of-rookie-minicamp/24060e90-060c-4c3d-8d01-8b60dc7842c5|author=Eisen, Michael|website=Giants.com|date=May 7, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508121457/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-waive-five-players-ahead-of-rookie-minicamp/24060e90-060c-4c3d-8d01-8b60dc7842c5|archive-date=May 8, 2018}}

On August 22, 2018, Watson was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers.{{cite web|title=Bolts Sign RB Terrell Watson|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/bolts-sign-rb-terrell-watson|author=Henne, Ricky|website=Chargers.com|date=August 22, 2018}} He was waived on September 1, 2018.{{cite web|title=Chargers Cut Roster Down to 53|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-cut-roster-down-to-53|author=Henne, Ricky|website=Chargers.com|date=September 1, 2018}}

On September 28, 2018, Watson was signed by the San Diego Fleet.{{cite news|last=Nguyen|first=Alexander|url=https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2018/09/28/san-diego-aaf-pro-football-team-the-fleet-signs-former-usd-poway-star/|title=San Diego AAF Pro Football Team, the Fleet, Signs Former USD, Poway Star|newspaper=Times of San Diego|date=September 28, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2019}} The league ceased operations in April 2019.{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |last2=Wickersham |first2=Seth |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Inside the short, unhappy life of the Alliance of American Football |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26957796/inside-short-unhappy-life-alliance-american-football |access-date=January 9, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.apu.edu/stories/terrell-watson/ Azusa Pacific Cougars bio]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Watson, Terrell}}

Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football running backs

Category:Azusa Pacific Cougars football players

Category:Cincinnati Bengals players

Category:Cleveland Browns players

Category:Denver Broncos players

Category:Los Angeles Chargers players

Category:Philadelphia Eagles players

Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players

Category:Players of American football from Los Angeles

Category:New York Giants players

Category:San Diego Fleet players

Category:Players of American football from Oxnard, California

Category:Oxnard High School alumni