Armon Watts Bio
Armon Watts is an American professional football defensive tackle born on July 22, 1996, in St. Louis, Missouri. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks before entering the National Football League. Selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Watts has built a journeyman career along the defensive line, suiting up for multiple franchises across the league. He currently plays for the New York Giants, continuing his work as an interior defensive presence.
Early Life and Background
Armon Watts grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed an early interest in football. He attended Christian Brothers College High School, a private all-boys Catholic school in St. Louis known for producing competitive athletic programs. At Christian Brothers College, Watts developed the size and skill set that would eventually make him an attractive college prospect, working along the defensive line as he matured physically.
His performance at Christian Brothers College drew the attention of college scouts, and he went on to play college football at the University of Arkansas. The Razorbacks program provided him with a strong foundation in the Southeastern Conference, where he faced high-level competition week in and week out. That environment helped prepare him for the jump to the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Football
Watts spent his college years with the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he developed into a reliable interior defensive lineman. His work in the SEC gave him valuable experience against top-tier offensive line talent, and he entered the 2019 NFL Draft as a prospect with a strong frame and professional potential.
His draft selection marked the official start of his professional journey, and his path from Arkansas to the league reflected years of physical and technical development. Watts carried the lessons of his college career into the NFL, where he has continued to refine his approach against the run and as a pass rusher.
Armon Watts Career
Early Career (2019)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Watts in the sixth round, 190th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He did not see action early in his rookie season, but on November 10, 2019, he made an immediate impact in his first career game. Working alongside veteran defensive end Everson Griffen, Watts combined for a sack of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during a 28–24 Sunday Night Football victory. The moment marked a memorable debut for the young defensive tackle.
His rookie season was cut short when the Vikings placed him on injured reserve on December 31, 2019. The following summer, on August 4, 2020, Watts was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and was activated two days later. He remained with the Vikings through the 2020 and 2021 seasons before being waived on August 30, 2022.
Chicago Bears Era (2022)
Shortly after being waived by Minnesota, Watts was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears on August 31, 2022. His time in Chicago allowed him to log a full season with a new organization and showcase his abilities in a different defensive scheme. The stint with the Bears gave Watts stability and a fresh opportunity to contribute at the professional level.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2023)
Watts signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 12, 2023, continuing his journey through the AFC North. Pittsburgh offered him a new defensive environment and another chance to prove himself as a rotational interior lineman. His single season with the Steelers added another chapter to his growing professional resume.
New England Patriots Era (2024)
On March 15, 2024, Watts signed with the New England Patriots as he looked to establish himself with an AFC East franchise. His time in New England was disrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on August 27. He was later released with an injury settlement on October 2, 2024, opening the door for his next opportunity.
New York Giants Era (2024–Present)
On October 15, 2024, Watts signed with the New York Giants practice squad, seeking to revive his career after his release from New England. He was promoted to the active roster on October 22, marking his return to game action. Later, on January 3, Watts was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, an unfortunate interruption to his momentum with the Giants.
Driving Style and Strengths
Watts has built his professional reputation as a run-stopping interior defensive tackle with the frame and strength to hold up against double teams. Listed at 6 feet 5 inches tall and around 295 pounds, he uses his length and leverage to disrupt blocking schemes at the line of scrimmage. His experience across multiple defensive systems has made him a versatile rotational piece.
Notable Events and Milestones
Watts’ first career sack, recorded in a prime-time win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, stands as one of the defining early moments of his NFL journey. Beyond that debut performance, he has remained a steady presence on practice squads and active rosters across the league, demonstrating the durability and adaptability required for a long professional career.
Armon Watts Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Armon Watts was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, the city that shaped his early years and introduction to football. Public details about his immediate family remain limited, and he has generally kept his personal life private. His journey from St. Louis through college at Arkansas and into the NFL reflects the support system that helped guide him to a professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Armon Watts continues his tenure with the New York Giants as he works to return from the knee injury that ended his 2024 campaign on injured reserve. His familiarity with the Giants’ defensive scheme, developed after joining the team midway through the 2024 season, should help him compete for a role along the interior of the defensive line. The Giants’ defensive line rotation will determine how often Watts features on game days.
Watts’ veteran experience and his ability to play across multiple techniques along the defensive front give him a clear path to contributing in 2025. Coming off an injury, his offseason preparation and training camp performance will be critical to securing a roster spot and earning meaningful snaps. The upcoming season represents another opportunity to add to a career that has already spanned several organizations.