Blake Watson Bio
Blake Watson is an American professional football running back who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on October 14, 1999, in Queens, New York, Watson has built his career through determination and consistent performance at both the collegiate and professional levels. He played college football for the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Memphis Tigers before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2024. Watson later joined the Tennessee Titans organization, continuing his professional football journey.
Early Life and Background
Blake Watson grew up in Queens, New York, where his early years shaped his foundational skills and love for football. His family eventually relocated to Cary, North Carolina, where he attended Green Hope High School. At Green Hope, Watson developed into a notable high school football player, laying the groundwork for his future collegiate career.
During his time at Green Hope High School, Watson honed his skills as a running back, demonstrating the athletic ability and football instincts that would later carry him to the collegiate level. His performance in high school positioned him for opportunities at the NCAA Division I level, setting him on the path toward professional football.
Path to Professional Football
Following his standout high school career, Watson continued his football journey at the collegiate level. He began at Old Dominion University, where he played for the Monarchs from 2018 to 2022. During his time at Old Dominion, Watson established himself as a dynamic dual-threat running back, contributing significantly both as a rusher and receiver.
On October 15, 2022, Watson delivered a record-setting performance in a 49-21 upset victory against Coastal Carolina. He carried the ball 19 times for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns, setting multiple school records in the process. That season, Watson rushed 158 times for 918 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 37 receptions for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air.
Watson concluded his Old Dominion career with impressive totals, accumulating 398 carries for 2,146 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, plus 60 receptions for 448 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. His exceptional 2022 campaign prompted him to seek new opportunities, and he entered the transfer portal in November 2022 before announcing his commitment to the University of Memphis on December 19, 2022.
Blake Watson Career
College Career at Memphis
Watson transferred to Memphis for his final collegiate season in 2023, joining the Tigers as a highly anticipated addition to their offense. His performance throughout the season earned recognition as a First-team All-American Athletic Conference selection, validating his status as one of the top running backs in the conference. This honor highlighted his consistency and impact at the highest level of college football.
Watson’s transition to Memphis demonstrated his ability to adapt to new offensive systems and maintain high performance levels despite changing environments. His dual-threat capabilities made him a valuable asset in the Tigers’ playbook, showcasing the versatility that would serve him well in his professional career.
Denver Broncos (2024–2025)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Blake Watson signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos on May 10, 2024. His journey to the NFL faced skepticism due to his undrafted status, but Watson quickly proved his doubters wrong. He notably made the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp, a significant achievement for an undrafted free agent competing for spots against players selected in the draft.
During his time with the Broncos, Watson appeared in limited action, recording 4 rush attempts for 10 yards and 1 reception for 13 yards as of the 2025 season. On October 17, 2024, he was waived by the Broncos and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. His persistent effort paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 24, 2024, recognizing his contributions and potential.
On August 25, 2025, Watson was waived by the Broncos with a short-term injury settlement after suffering a PCL strain during Week 3 of the preseason against the New Orleans Saints. Despite the injury setback, the Broncos expressed interest in bringing him back to the practice squad once he recovered, reflecting the team’s assessment of his value.
Tennessee Titans (2025–Present)
Watson continued his NFL journey by signing with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad on September 29, 2025. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue developing as a professional while contributing to another organization. On January 5, 2026, Watson signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans, securing his place on the roster for the following season.
On April 30, 2026, Watson was waived by the Titans, marking another transition in his young professional career. Despite this setback, Watson’s trajectory from an undrafted free agent to a player who earned promotions and sustained roster spots demonstrates his resilience and ability to compete at the NFL level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Blake Watson is known for his versatility as a running back, demonstrating effectiveness both as a rusher and receiver out of the backfield. His college career statistics, particularly his receiving numbers at Old Dominion, showcase his ability to contribute in the passing game. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 195 pounds, Watson possesses a compact frame that allows for agility and elusiveness in open space while maintaining the durability needed for the running back position.
Notable Achievements and Records
Watson’s most notable collegiate achievement remains his record-setting performance against Coastal Carolina in 2022, where his 259 rushing yards in a single game established multiple school records. His First-team All-AAC selection in 2023 recognized his consistent excellence at the conference level. At the professional level, Watson’s ability to make an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent and earn promotions within organizations represents a significant accomplishment in his career.
Blake Watson Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Watson has appeared in games for both the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans organizations, contributing in limited offensive roles while developing as a professional player.
College Statistics
At Old Dominion from 2018 to 2022, Watson compiled 398 carries for 2,146 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, plus 60 receptions for 448 yards and 3 touchdowns. His career totals at the collegiate level demonstrate his dual-threat capability and consistent production over multiple seasons.
Professional NFL Statistics (as of 2025)
In his NFL career, Watson has recorded 4 rush attempts for 10 yards and 1 reception for 13 yards. These limited statistics reflect the challenges faced by undrafted players competing for roster spots in one of the world’s most competitive sports leagues.
Blake Watson Family and Personal Life
Family Background
Details about Blake Watson’s family background, including his parents and family lineage, remain private and are not extensively documented in public sources. Watson was born in Queens, New York, and later resided in Cary, North Carolina, during his high school years.
Personal Life
Watson has maintained a private personal life, with limited public information available regarding his marital status, spouse, or children. He continues to focus on his football career while building his professional profile in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Blake Watson. Beginning the year with the Denver Broncos organization, Watson faced an injury setback during the preseason that led to his release with an injury settlement in August. Despite this challenge, he quickly found an opportunity with the Tennessee Titans, signing to their practice squad in late September.
Watson’s tenure with the Titans began on the practice squad, where he continued to develop and await his opportunity for advancement. His signing of a reserve-future contract in January 2026 indicated the team’s interest in his long-term potential. The subsequent waiver in April 2026 marked another chapter in his ongoing NFL journey, demonstrating the competitive nature of professional football and the challenges players face in maintaining rosters.
Throughout his early professional career, Watson has demonstrated resilience by navigating multiple team transitions and overcoming obstacles that often sideline undrafted players. His ability to earn roster spots and promotions despite his draft status speaks to his work ethic and determination to succeed at the highest level of American football.