Only a handful of Kansas City Chiefs fans knew cornerback Jaylen Watson before their Thursday Night Football game against the division rival Los Angeles Chargers.
After all, he didn’t register any stats during their season opener versus the Arizona Cardinals.
But he became a household name after getting a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown off Justin Herbert.
His effort helped changed the game’s complexion as the Chiefs overcame a halftime deficit to go 2-0.
What’s more touching, though, is Watson’s journey to the NFL, as shared by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
Three years ago, Jaylen Watson was working at a Wendy's while he was trying to find somewhere to continue playing football.
Tonight, he has a 99-yard INT of Justin Herbert in his 2nd career NFL game.
Perseverance would be an understatement.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 16, 2022
Brugler tweeted, “Three years ago, Jaylen Watson was working at a Wendy’s while he was trying to find somewhere to continue playing football. Tonight, he has a 99-yard INT of Justin Herbert in his 2nd career NFL game. Perseverance would be an understatement.”
His story is like Kurt Warner‘s journey from grocery bagger to Hall of Famer.
While the jury is still out on Watson if he will turn out to be a great player, he did an exceptional job against the Chargers by reading the route perfectly.
His story will inspire more players trying to find their break to do what’s necessary to reach the next level.
Aside from that interception, Watson also had three tackles in that game.
Finding A Way To Contribute
Watson did what was needed to survive.
That hunger inspired him to do well during the Chiefs home opener that also celebrated Arrowhead Stadium’s 50th anniversary.
But what makes his story more dramatic is that he was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 242 picks after top overall selection Travon Walker.
Coming into Week 3, the Chiefs will play him more and he’s not an unknown player anymore.
NEXT: Chiefs Fans Are Already Lined Up Ready For Thursday Night
