From working at Wendy's to winning two Super Bowls
In short: In 2019, Jaylen Watson was working at a local Wendy's in Georgia while completing his coursework. Fast forward a few years, and the former seventh-round draft pick has become a multi-time Super Bowl champion, proving that professional success often requires navigating significant academic and professional setbacks.
Jaylen Watson's journey to the NFL was marked by unexpected hurdles. After playing for Ventura College, he initially intended to transfer to USC, but failed to qualify academically for enrollment. This setback forced a hiatus from football in 2019, during which time he returned to his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, to work at a Wendy's restaurant managed by his mother. During this period, he focused on his studies while his mother managed the local restaurant. This period of transition preceded his eventual move to Washington State University.
His persistence paid off when he transferred to Washington State, where he earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference honors in both 2020 and his final season. Although some analysts doubted he would be picked, the Kansas City Chiefs took him in the 2022 NFL draft during the seventh round (243rd overall). A four-year rookie deal worth $3.74 million was signed by him on May 6, 2022. He was selected as the 36th cornerback taken during that draft. This followed the selections of Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams by the Chiefs.
Watson quickly became a vital asset in the Chiefs' defensive rotation. His rookie season included a 99-yard pick-six touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He went on to win two Super Bowls with Kansas City: Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2023, and Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers in February 2024. After his time in Kansas City, Watson joined the Los Angeles Rams on March 11, 2026, via a major three-year, $51 million deal. In his debut season, he recorded 49 total tackles and one interception. He also secured a victory in the AFC Divisional Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jaylen Watson
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