Eric Watts Bio
Eric Watts is an American professional football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 1, 2000, in Sumter, South Carolina, Watts played college football for the UConn Huskies from 2019 to 2023 before signing with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in May 2024. At 6 feet 5 inches and 277 pounds, he brings impressive physical measurables to the defensive line position he has played throughout his football career.
Early Life and Background
Eric Watts grew up in Sumter, South Carolina, where he attended Sumter High School. During his time at Sumter, Watts excelled in not one but two sports, playing both football and basketball at a high level. His performance on the football field earned him recognition as a selection to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star games in the country. Watts also helped his high school team capture county and region championships during his career.
As a senior at Sumter High School, Watts recorded 8.5 sacks while leading his team to ten consecutive victories. His dominant senior season showcased the pass-rushing ability that would define his collegiate career and ultimately earn him a spot at the Division I level. His dual-sport excellence at Sumter demonstrated his versatility and athletic ability, traits that would serve him well at the next level.
Path to Professional Football
Following his standout high school career, Watts committed to continue his football journey at the University of Connecticut, joining the UConn Huskies program. The transition from high school to college football came with challenges, but Watts began seeing extended playing time as a true freshman in the 2019 season. He appeared in all 12 games that year and recorded 30 tackles, establishing himself as a contributor on the defensive line rotation.
The 2020 season presented an unexpected obstacle when the entire college football season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watts used this time to develop his skills and prepare for a stronger 2021 campaign. He returned to play 10 games in 2021, accumulating 39 tackles and continuing his development as a disruptive force along the defensive front.
Eric Watts Career
UConn Years (2019–2023)
The 2022 season marked a breakthrough for Watts as he emerged as one of the most productive defensive players on the UConn roster. He appeared in 13 games and posted 49 tackles while leading the team in both tackles-for-loss with 10 and sacks with 7.0. His ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing backfields earned him recognition as a team leader. Additionally, Watts blocked two kicks and forced two fumbles, showcasing his impact beyond traditional statistics.
As a senior in 2023, Watts continued his solid production with 34 tackles and two sacks across the season. His four-year progression at UConn demonstrated consistent improvement and reliability. His play during this final collegiate season caught the attention of NFL scouts, resulting in invitations to both the 2024 Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, where he performed against top draft prospects from across the country.
New York Jets (2024–Present)
Despite not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Watts earned an opportunity with the New York Jets by signing as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024. His journey to an NFL roster demonstrated the determination and resilience required to reach professional football without being drafted. Simultaneously, Watts was selected by the Memphis Showboats in the fifth round of the 2024 UFL Draft, indicating interest from multiple professional leagues.
Watts successfully made the Jets initial 53-man roster out of training camp, a significant achievement for any undrafted rookie. This accomplishment validated his training camp performance and earned him a spot on the active roster to begin his professional career. During his rookie season, he recorded 23 total tackles while learning the nuances of the NFL game and adapting to professional competition speed.
Defensive Line Skills and Strengths
Watts brings a combination of size, length, and athleticism to the defensive end position. His 6-foot-5 frame allows him to engage offensive tackles effectively while his proven pass-rushing ability, demonstrated through his college sack totals, translates to pressure situations at the professional level. His experience blocking kicks at UConn shows special teams versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game.
Roster Journey and Development
The 2025 season presented Watts with early challenges when he was waived by the Jets on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, demonstrating the fluid nature of NFL roster construction. Watts remained patient and continued working, ultimately earning a promotion to the active roster on December 10, 2025. This experience tested his mental toughness while providing valuable lessons about the business side of professional football.
Eric Watts Career Statistics
Across his first two seasons with the New York Jets, Watts has accumulated meaningful playing time along the defensive line while contributing on special teams. His rookie season provided a foundation of experience that he built upon in year two.
Professional Career Highlights
Making an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent represents one of Watts most significant achievements. The transition from college to professional football is challenging under any circumstances, and doing so without being drafted requires exceptional preparation and performance. His ability to earn playing time and contribute on defense during his first two seasons demonstrates his potential as a developing player in the league.
Watts selection by the Memphis Showboats in the UFL Draft while simultaneously pursuing his NFL career with the Jets highlights the multi-league interest in his services. This experience provided him with additional professional football exposure and the chance to develop his skills in different systems.
College Career Recap
At UConn, Watts finished his four-year career having appeared in multiple games across the 2019 through 2023 seasons. His 2022 campaign stood out as his most productive, with 49 tackles including 10 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks while also blocking two kicks. This production placed him among the teams statistical leaders and established his reputation as a disruptive presence along the defensive front.
Eric Watts Family
Background
Watts grew up in Sumter, South Carolina, where his athletic abilities were evident during his high school years at Sumter High School. His dual-sport participation in football and basketball provided a strong athletic foundation that translated to his success on the football field. The values of discipline and work ethic developed during his upbringing contributed to his ability to overcome obstacles including the canceled 2020 season and his path as an undrafted player.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Watts young professional career. After beginning the year on the Jets roster, he experienced the volatility of NFL roster decisions when he was waived during final cuts in August. His re-signing to the practice squad the following day kept his NFL dreams alive while requiring him to continue working and waiting for another opportunity.
Watts patience and perseverance paid off when he was signed to the active roster on December 10, 2025. This promotion provided him with renewed opportunity to contribute during the latter portion of the season. His ability to remain focused and ready during his time on the practice squad demonstrated the mental fortitude required to succeed in professional football. Looking ahead, Watts will seek to build upon this experience and establish himself as a reliable contributor along the Jets defensive line rotation heading into future seasons.