The Falcons have never played against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, but the third-year passer used to be the team’s ball boy back when he was 14 years old.
ESPN’s Sarah Bishop wrote about Watson’s unique experience, and how many Falcons players, including wide receiver Julio Jones recognized something special in the eventual Heisman Trophy winner.
“I knew he was a hell of a quarterback,” Jones said. “I tried to get him to go to Alabama.”
Watson wouldn’t listen to Jones, though, instead going to Clemson where he would eventually beat Alabama in the National Championship.
Now in his third year as a starter, Watson has become one of the bright young stars of the league. This season, he has six touchdown passes to just one interception for a quarterback rating of 99.9.
His Texans are leading the AFC South with a 2-2 record. The Falcons will visit Houston on Sunday as they try claw their way back from a 1-3 start.
