Benjamin Watson

Benjamin Watson is an American former professional football player born in Norfolk, Virginia on December 18, 1980. He played as a tight end for the teams the New England Patriots, the Cleveland Browns, the New Orleans Saints, and the Baltimore Ravens. While in high school he played football for Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He went on to play college football at Duke University and the University of Georgia from 1999 to 2003. He entered the NFL draft in 2004 and was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round, 32nd overall. Watson was signed to a six-year contract for $13.5 million. He made his professional debut in the 2004 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. In 2005 he became a Super Bowl Champion when the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX. In 2010 he signed a three-year contract for $12 million with the Cleveland Browns. In 2013 he signed a three-year contract for $4.95 million with the New Orleans Saints. In 2016 he signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens for $7 million. He became a free agent in 2018 and signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints for $2 million. On December 27, 2018 he announced he would be retiring from the NFL. Throughout his career he had 530 receptions, 5,885 receiving yards, and 44 receiving touchdowns.