Deshaun Watson’s ACL injury cut short one of the most promising rookie seasons in NFL history. Watson shared a statement on Friday promising to come back “better, stronger, and more focused than ever before.”
Deshaun Watson promises he’ll be back better than ever in heartfelt message
Watson shared a message of disappointment about his season-ending injury, but also hope for his NFL future.
Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
“Today, the journey back seems far but I’ve been here before and I’ll conquer it once again,” Watson wrote.
Watson knows firsthand what the road back from this injury is like and how long it will keep him from the game he loves. He tore his other ACL in 2014 while at Clemson. Two years later, he guided the Tigers to a College Football Playoff title.
“They say you never miss it until it’s gone and even though it’s not gone for long, I already miss it,” Watson said.
Watson thanked his teammates, his peers in the NFL, and everyone who reached out to him offering support after the injury.
“I play this game for you all, and I am grateful for the love you have shown me, not only over the past 24 hours, but throughout this entire season,” Watson said.
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien believes this injury is a temporary setback for his dynamic young quarterback.
Watson’s college coach, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, spoke to Watson after the injury. He is confident Watson will work his way back.
“All he did after the injury in 2014 was come back and lead us to the national championship game twice and of course we won it last year,” Swinney said Thursday. “He started all 30 games the last two years here. I have no doubt he will come back from this. He has the resolve. His work ethic and drive are incredible.”
And Watson promised to work even harder when he recovers.
“I promise that I will continue to work diligently so that this team can one day bring a championship to Houston,” Watson said.
Watson was on track for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors before tearing his ACL in practice on Thursday. He was tied for the NFL lead with his 19 passing touchdowns so far this season, and was coming off of a record-setting game against the Seahawks. He was the first player in NFL history to throw for over 400 yards, rush for more than 55 yards, and throw four touchdowns in a game.
Watson came back from his ACL tear in college better than before. There’s every reason to believe he’ll do it again.
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