Benjamin Watson hadn’t planned on playing for the New England Patriots — or any NFL team — at the conclusion of the 2018 season. Watson intended to retire, and began acting accordingly. So when he saw doctors after the season, he accepted one prescription which was on the NFL’s banned substance list: testosterone. That became problematic when, later in the offseason, he decided he wanted to return to football.
In a Facebook post when he announced he’d be serving a four-game suspension for using Testosterone, the Patriots tight end also explained the context of how he knowingly took the banned substance. Here’s what he posted on Sunday:
“After every season during my playing career, I visit with a few doctors for health screenings. During these times we identify the cumulative effects of injuries, stressors, and exertion on my health and formulate an offseason plan for recovery. As a professional athlete for the last 15 years I know very well the limitations on what can be prescribed for my overall health. After my contract expired last March I told my doctors I was finished playing, went through a series of medical tests and was prescribed Bio Identical Testosterone Cypionate to assist in healing my body and mind.
“On March 29, nine days after I started therapy, I was randomly tested under our substance policies. I complied out of habit, never thinking in that moment I’d want to come back. In late April, some clubs expressed interest in me playing and after much deliberation and prayer, I decided I wanted to return. Considering myself previously retired, I had forgotten all about my test in March until I got a letter on May 3rd saying my results were positive.”
Watson disclosed his results to NFL teams, and explained what it mean for him in the coming season. Despite the four-game suspension, the Patriots signed Watson to a one-year deal.
And New England needs all the help it can get as it attempts to replace Rob Gronkowski, who retired this offseason. Watson will join a group of unproved tight ends, including Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Matt LaCosse, who will help the Patriots transition during life without Gronkowski.
