Leroy Watson IV Bio
Leroy Watson IV (born June 10, 1998) is an American professional football offensive tackle currently associated with the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for the UTSA Roadrunners and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022, subsequently joining several teams including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans.
Early Life and Background
Leroy Watson IV was born in Snellville, Georgia, USA. He attended Shiloh High School in Snellville, where he developed his foundational skills in football. His early exposure to the sport set the stage for his collegiate and professional career.
Following high school, Watson attended Hutchinson Community College from 2017 to 2018, where he played football and recorded 12 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns. He then transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to compete at the Division I level from 2019 to 2021.
Path to American Football
At Hutchinson Community College, Watson demonstrated his versatility and athleticism, which earned him the opportunity to transfer to UTSA. There, he further honed his skills as an offensive tackle. During his three-year tenure with the UTSA Roadrunners, he recorded 25 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns and was named an honorable mention all-Conference USA member in the 2020 season.
His college performance attracted attention from NFL teams despite not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. His journey reflects a steady progression through junior college to Division I football, culminating in a professional career start in 2022.
Leroy Watson IV Career
Early Career (2022)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Leroy Watson IV signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. However, he was waived during the final roster cuts on August 30, 2022. Shortly thereafter, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on September 5, 2022.
Watson signed a futures contract with the 49ers on February 1, 2023, but was waived during final roster cuts in August 2023 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. These early professional moves highlight the challenges and persistence required for undrafted players to secure a spot on NFL rosters.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
While with the 49ers, Watson remained primarily on the practice squad but gained valuable experience within a competitive NFL environment. His futures contract indicated the team’s interest in his potential development. Although he did not secure a permanent active roster spot during this period, his time with the 49ers contributed to his professional growth.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–Present)
On November 2, 2023, Leroy Watson IV was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the 49ers practice squad. During the 2023 season, he started one game and appeared in seven games, playing both right and left tackle positions. This opportunity marked his first active roster contributions in regular-season NFL games.
Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings Tenure (2024–2025)
In April 2024, Watson was traded to the Tennessee Titans for a seventh-round draft pick. He was waived in August but re-signed to the practice squad and later promoted to the active roster in October 2024. Watson started four games as the Titans’ right tackle but missed part of the season due to a back injury and was released in December 2024.
Later in December 2024, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and secured a reserve/future contract in January 2025. However, he was waived by the Vikings in August 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders Practice Squad (2025)
On October 1, 2025, Watson joined the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad but was released on November 18, 2025. These transitions reflect the competitive nature of NFL roster management and Watson’s ongoing efforts to maintain an active role in professional football.
Playing Style and Strengths
Leroy Watson IV plays as an offensive tackle, demonstrating versatility by playing both right and left tackle positions. His height of 193 cm and weight of 141 kg provide the physical presence required for the role. His adaptability and experience across multiple teams suggest a strong work ethic and ability to integrate into various offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Watson’s first NFL start with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 stands out as a key milestone. Additionally, his trade to the Tennessee Titans in 2024 for a draft pick highlights his perceived value within the league. Despite injuries and roster challenges, his persistence in securing active roster spots underscores his professional determination.
Leroy Watson IV Career Wins
As an offensive tackle, Leroy Watson IV’s contributions are measured more by his blocking effectiveness and game participation than traditional wins or statistics. His career includes active game appearances and starts across multiple NFL teams since 2022.
Professional Highlights
Watson’s notable career moments include his collegiate honorable mention all-Conference USA recognition in 2020 and his progression to active NFL game participation with the Cleveland Browns in 2023. His ability to start games at the professional level reflects his development and readiness to compete at the highest level.
Other Performances
Watson’s time on practice squads with the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders demonstrates his ongoing presence in the NFL ecosystem, contributing to team depth and readiness.
Leroy Watson IV Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Leroy Watson IV’s family background and personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. His focus remains on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Leroy Watson IV continued his professional journey by signing with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad in October but was released in November. Earlier in the year, he was part of the Minnesota Vikings organization, signing a reserve/future contract but ultimately being waived in August. These movements indicate a challenging season as he seeks to secure a stable position on an active NFL roster.
Watson’s experience across multiple teams and practice squads in 2024 and 2025 reflects the competitive nature of the league and the importance of adaptability. His physical attributes and prior game experience position him as a valuable depth player with potential for future contributions.