Tag: Ben Watson

New England Patriots tight end, former Georgia Bulldog retires

New England Patriots tight end and former Georgia Bulldog Benjamin Watson announced his retirement from the NFL.

New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson announced he was likely retiring following a stunning 20-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Playoffs. Watson, a former Georgia Bulldog, is 39 years old. Now he’s officially announced his retirement via Twitter.

Watson, a long-time social advocate, won’t be retiring from the public eye. In his lengthy retirement message Watson thanks numerous family members, friends, and teams (he played for the Browns, Patriots, Saints, and Ravens):

Watson finished the 2019 season with 17 catches for 173 yards and no touchdowns. Against the Titans, Watson had an explosive play called back due to an ineligible receiver down field:

Tom Brady and New England’s offense struggled in the second half against Tennessee’s stout defense. It was the Patriot’s first Wildcard exit in a decade.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Watson’s likely retirement following the NFL Playoffs:

Upon further review, Schefter’s announcement was a little premature. During postgame interviews, Watson wanted to discuss his future with his family. Watson says, “He wants to be back here, but probably won’t be playing”:

Watson retired as a New Orleans Saint after last season’s tough defeat in the NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams. Now, it looks like he’s retired for good.

In Watson’s long career (2004-2019),  he caught 547 receptions for 6,058 yards, and scored 44 touchdowns. Watson is an excellent representative of the University of Georgia and what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog.

[lawrence-auto-related count=2]

What Georgia Bulldogs are becoming NFL Free Agents?

Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are scheduled to become NFL free agents this off-season including: A.J. Green, Reshad Jones, and more.

Numerous Georgia Bulldogs are becoming NFL free agents this off-season. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.

NFL free agency kicks-off on Monday, March 16th when the legal tampering period begins. March 16th is also the deadline for teams to place a franchise tag on players. The new CBA is currently being voted on and could complicate the free agency process.

There’s no doubt about the top potential University of Georgia product who could be headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. The Bengals are expected to give Green the franchise tag to prevent him from hitting free agency.

When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp. Swelling prevented his attempted return late in the season.

Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he sign the franchise tag with Cincinnati or holdout? The Bengals have needs across the board and may want to stick with their talented young receivers, who will look to mesh with projected number one overall pick Joe Burrow.

New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a massive raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only Jets linebacker or defensive lineman with more than three sacks! Look for him to command around ten million dollars per season.

Sep 8, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) celebrates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command league-wide interest.

The Miami Dolphins released veteran safety Reshad Jones to open up cap space. Jones, when healthy, is an impact player. At 32 years old, Jones will sign a shorter deal.

John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.

Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie will hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an career-best 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.

Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots in 2019, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he plays one more season.

Bonus: Las Vegas Raiders running back Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury, is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders, but he’ll look to make an impact somewhere in 2020.

[lawrence-auto-related count=2]

Georgia Bulldogs who will be NFL Free Agents

There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL. There’s no doubt about the top …

There are numerous Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Bulldogs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.

There’s no doubt about the top University of Georgia product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.

Sep 30, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) celebrates with running back Mark Walton (32) after making the game-winning touchdown catch as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (20) and cornerback Brian Poole (34) look on in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp and swelling when he attempted to return.

That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31 years old, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.

Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led New York in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!

Recently released linebacker Alec Ogletree will be looking for another payday. The New York Giants elected to release him instead of paying his hefty salary. Now, Ogletree will likely look for a new home. At 28 years old, Ogletree is still in his prime and will command interest.

Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat to the Tennessee Titans in the postseason. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he gives it one more shot.

John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles. Look for him to re-sign in Miami.

Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the NFL Fee Agent market. The 24 year-old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. His versatile skill-set will be coveted.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders in 2019 and will look to make an impact in 2020.

Every Georgia Bulldog who is set to become an NFL Free Agent

There are numerous notable Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL including: A.J. Green and Jordan Jenkins

There are numerous notable Georgia Bulldogs who will become a free agent this off-season in the NFL. Each of these Dawgs will get one of the largest paydays of their life or simply another shot to make an impact in the NFL.

There’s no doubt about the top UGA product who is headed for NFL Free Agency: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green walks the field before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

When healthy A.J. Green is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately he missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury and swelling when he attempted to return.

That won’t stop the Georgia legend from getting a big pay day. Green, who is 31, has over 600 career receptions for 8,907 yards. He’s scored 63 touchdowns as well, but has never won a playoff game. Will he return to Cincinnati? The Bengals have other needs and may want to stick with their young receivers, who will look to mesh with likely number one overall pick Joe Burrow.

Beyond Green, New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins will be in for a huge raise. Jenkins led the Jets in sacks in 2019 with 8.0 sacks. The Jets are desperate for a better pass rush. Green was the only linebacker or defensive lineman on the Jets with more than three sacks!

Ben Watson, who played with the New England Patriots, is technically a free agent. Watson announced his retirement following New England’s defeat in the playoffs. Watson has returned after retiring before, so don’t be shocked if he tries to win one more Super Bowl.

John Jenkins, who played in 16 games for the Miami Dolphins, is set to be a free agent as well. Jenkins is coming off one of his best seasons, where he recorded one sack along with 34 total tackles.

Lastly, Buffalo Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie is set to hit the market as well. The 24 year old had an excellent 2019 campaign, where he caught 27 passes for 257 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Bonus: Isaiah Crowell, who missed the 2019 season with an Achilles injury is set to become a free agent. Crowell never got to play for the Raiders.

 

WATCH: Veteran TE Watson says he played for Patriots with torn Achilles

Ben Watson reveals he tore his Achilles this season but was able to remain on the field.

Ben Watson returned to New England in 2019, reuniting with the team that drafted him in 2004 and with which he played his first six seasons in the NFL.

Friday, Watson revealed that he played the season with a torn Achilles, posting a thank you to TB 12 Body Coach Joseph Koudelka for his work in keeping the now-39-year-old on the field.

“Tore my ‘good,’ Achilles this season, but @jfkoudelka2 kept me on the field! A million thanks @TB12,” Watson wrote over a picture of himself with the trainer posted to his own Instagram story.

The tight end was welcomed back by a team that had a vacancy at the position, then suspended four games for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Patriots released Watson following the suspension, then resigned him for the 11 final games of the season.

Watson ended up leading all TEs with 17 receptions for 173 yards despite his abbreviated season, which he has said is potentially his last in the league.

Veteran TE Watson says he played for Patriots with torn achilles

Ben Watson returned to New England in 2019, reuniting with the team that drafted him in 2004 and with which he played his first six seasons in the NFL.

Ben Watson returned to New England in 2019, reuniting with the team that drafted him in 2004 and with which he played his first six seasons in the NFL.

Veteran TE Watson says he played for Patriots with torn achilles (Patriotswire)

Ben Watson returned to New England in 2019, reuniting with the team that drafted him in 2004 and with which he played his first six seasons in the NFL.

Ben Watson returned to New England in 2019, reuniting with the team that drafted him in 2004 and with which he played his first six seasons in the NFL.

Patriots TE Ben Watson says he played through torn achilles

A significant injury.

New England Patriots tight end Ben Watson seems to have fought through a severe injury through the 2019 season.

He wrote on Instagram that he had an Achilles issue. The 39-year-old was not listed on the team’s injury report with an Achilles issue during the year. Still, Watson played 10 games this season with 17 catches and 173 receiving yards.

“Tore my ‘good’ Achilles this season but @jfkoudelka2 kept me on the field! A million thanks! @TB12,” Watson wrote on his Instagram story.

Watson’s Instagram shows him at the TB12 Sports Therapy Center, a business owned by Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero, Brady’s body coach. They specialize in helping athletes reach and sustain peak performance.

Watson’s play looked diminished in 2019. But it seemed more a product of age than anything else. His production had been on the decline before he arrived in New England. But perhaps this injury contributed to his inability to contribute much as a pass-catcher.

[vertical-gallery id=77728]

Ben Watson gets emotional about retirement: ‘Probably won’t be playing’

“So definitely won’t be back here next year, probably, and then probably won’t be playing at all.”

New England Patriots tight end Ben Watson played what might have been his best game of the 2019 season.

Surely, it wasn’t his best with New England. When he was 10 years younger, he put together some stellar performances. But in the Patriots’ 20-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans, he logged three catches for 38 yards. He had a 38-yard catch get wiped by a penalty on offensive lineman Shaq Mason. Watson was solid as a run blocker.

But the moment seemed bitter-sweet. It was likely his final game for the Patriots.

“It’s difficult. I love this game, but there’s a time when you definitely have to move on. So definitely won’t be back here next year, probably, and then probably won’t be playing at all,” Watson said, fighting back tears, in the Patriots’ locker room after the game. “It’s something that I’ve tried to do before and it didn’t work.

“But there’s only so much your body can take, and so much you want to put your family though, before you want to settle down and have some roots. Figure out what the next chapter of your life is going to be. So we’re going to talk about it, of course, and make family decisions but it’s been a great run and it’s really special to be back here.”

[vertical-gallery id=77728]

Every Georgia Bulldog playing on in the NFL’s Wildcard round

Georgia Bulldogs will look to leave their stamp on the NFL’s postseason once again. Last season, UGA’s Sony Michel dominated the playoffs.

Georgia Bulldogs will look to leave their stamp on the NFL’s postseason once again. Last season, UGA’s Sony Michel dominated the playoffs en route to a Super Bowl title. Who will be UGA player will help lead their team to a championship?

This year, there’s no Georgia Bulldog currently on a roster in the NFC. It’s quite surprising considering the number of Bulldogs in the NFL. That means no UGA players will suit up in Sunday’s Vikings at Saints contest or the Seahawks at Eagles game.

The AFC, however, is another story. On Saturday, Isaiah McKenzie will hope to help the Bills knock off the Houston Texans. McKenzie had 254 receiving yards on the season and is capable of shifting the dynamic of a game with one explosive play. The Texans don’t have any UGA players on their roster.

The Chiefs, who have a bye, feature rookie receiver Mecole Hardman heavily on special teams and pepper him into their passing game as well. Hardman is an explosive play waiting to happen. The Baltimore Ravens lack Georgia Bulldogs on their roster as well.

Saturday Night, Bulldog fans will be able to watch RB Sony Michel and the Patriots take on Ben Jones and the Tennessee Titans. Michel is undefeated in the playoffs in his young career. Fellow Bulldogs TE Ben Watson (173 receiving yards in 2019) and tackle Isaiah Wynn will accompany Michel. Center Ben Jones commanded a dominant Titan offensive line this year. Tennessee’s Derrick Henry led the NFL in rushing on the season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=2]