Mike Vrabel and Deshaun Watson spent one season together in the same building. After the quarterback’s rookie year in 2017, Vrabel split from the Houston Texans to head coach the Tennessee Titans. Watson continues to shine in H-Town.
Though their time together was limited, with Vrabel as the then-Texans defensive coordinator, the Titans coach developed a good read on Watson — not just as a quarterback, but as a person.
“I think that you come across people in life that are special, that has an impact on other people, I would say that Deshaun is one of those people,” Vrabel told Nashville media Wednesday. “For being as young as he is, I know that I learned things from him.”
Since his arrival in the NFL, Watson has made a point of spending his first-round contract on those around him. Vrabel witnessed the 24-year-old give his first NFL game check to cafeteria workers in the organization. He has given much of his little free-time to making a point of helping the community too.
As a leader, Watson has fielded nothing but rave reviews, even warranting the adjective “swaggy” to define him.
Of course, Watson is also a game-changing talent that Vrabel respects. In his career, he is 23-12 as a starter. In the process, he’s tallied 83 total touchdowns to 26 interceptions on a 102.3 passer rating.
“But then also how talented he is,” said Vrabel. “You know, the journey is never over. He’s always going to try to make a play. He believes and he knows that if he has the ball in his hand, that something good is going to happen.”
Watson is 2-1 against the Titans and 1-1 against the Vrabel-led Tennessee squad. In his three games against the team located in Nashville, he has tallied 803 passing yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions, a 120.7 passer rating and two passing touchdowns.
On Sunday, Watson will get another crack at defeating Vrabel’s Titans. The winner between the 8-5 teams will take the momentary lead of the AFC South.