Blake Watson Bio
Blake Watson (born October 14, 1999) is an American professional football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Memphis Tigers before entering the league as an undrafted free agent. Standing 175 centimeters tall and weighing 88 kilograms, Watson has built his career on toughness between the tackles and a steady role in pass-catching situations. He now competes in the NFL after developing his game across two collegiate programs.
Watson signed with the Denver Broncos in 2024 after going undrafted, then joined the Tennessee Titans organization in 2025. Known for his physical running style and dependable hands out of the backfield, he continues to push for a stable role at the professional level. His path from Old Dominion to Memphis and ultimately the NFL reflects patience, persistence, and steady production.
Early Life and Background
Blake Watson was born on October 14, 1999, in Queens, New York. Growing up in Queens gave him early exposure to the fast pace and competitiveness that often shapes athletic development in New York City. As a young football player, he learned the game in a region known for producing tough, between-the-tackles runners who thrive in physical environments.
Watson attended Green Hope High School, where he developed his skills as a running back and began attracting college attention. His high school career helped him earn opportunities at the next level, and he eventually committed to Old Dominion University. His time at Green Hope laid the foundation for the work ethic and physical style he would later carry into collegiate football.
Path to American Football
Watson joined the Old Dominion Monarchs, where he steadily built his reputation as a durable runner and reliable receiver out of the backfield. Over the course of his Old Dominion career, he totaled 398 carries for 2,146 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 60 receptions for 448 yards and 3 touchdowns. His production at the Group of Five level showed scouts that he could handle a full workload and contribute as a dual-threat back.
One of the defining moments of his Old Dominion tenure came on October 15, 2022, when Watson set multiple school records in a 49–21 upset win over Coastal Carolina. He rushed 19 times for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns in that single game, demonstrating his ability to take over contests. On November 28, 2022, Watson announced he would enter the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity to showcase his abilities.
On December 19, 2022, Watson announced his transfer to the University of Memphis, joining the Memphis Tigers program. His transition to an American Athletic Conference schedule gave him a higher level of competition and a broader national stage. In 2023, he earned First-team All-AAC recognition, confirming his place among the top running backs in the conference.
Blake Watson Career
Old Dominion Era (2020–2022)
Watson’s early college career at Old Dominion gave him the opportunity to grow into a featured offensive role. He finished the 2022 season with 158 carries for 918 yards and 5 touchdowns, while adding 37 receptions for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those numbers reflected both his rushing volume and his emerging value as a receiving threat.
His record-setting performance against Coastal Carolina served as a clear highlight of his time with the Monarchs. Watson’s consistency as a runner and his ability to break long gains caught the attention of NFL scouts evaluating small-school prospects.
Memphis Tigers Breakthrough (2023)
At Memphis, Watson adjusted to the American Athletic Conference and became a centerpiece of the Tigers offense. He earned First-team All-AAC honors in 2023, cementing his status as one of the conference’s premier running backs. His experience at Memphis also exposed him to a more pro-style offensive system, which helped prepare him for the NFL.
During the 2023 season against Tulane, Watson carried the ball 5 times for 13 yards before being held out due to injury concerns. While his time at Memphis was shorter than his Old Dominion run, his performance was strong enough to position him for an NFL opportunity. The Tigers phase of his development proved essential in refining his pass-protection and route-running skills.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–2025)
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Watson signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. He was also selected by the Memphis Showboats in the second round of the 2024 UFL Draft on July 17, reflecting the broader professional attention his college play had earned. Most notably, Watson made the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp as an undrafted free agent, an uncommon achievement.
On October 17, 2024, Watson was waived by the Broncos and re-signed to the practice squad. He returned to the active roster on December 24, 2024, finishing his rookie season in the NFL. 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. The Broncos expressed interest in bringing him back once he recovered from the injury.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On September 29, 2025, Watson signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, beginning a new chapter of his professional career. He was placed on practice squad injured reserve on October 2 as he continued his recovery. His move to Tennessee offered him a fresh opportunity to compete for an active roster spot once healthy.
Driving Style and Strengths
Watson is a physical, between-the-tackles runner with strong contact balance and dependable hands as a receiver. His college production at Old Dominion and Memphis highlighted his ability to handle a heavy workload while also serving as a check-down option. His pass-catching background and durability make him a versatile option for NFL backfields.
Notable Events and Milestones
Watson’s record-setting 259-yard, three-touchdown performance against Coastal Carolina stands as one of the most memorable single-game performances of his career. Making the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent was another major milestone. His subsequent transition to the Tennessee Titans in 2025 marked the next step in his professional journey.
Blake Watson Career Wins
Watson’s career has been defined by production and perseverance rather than championship hardware. His college highlights include record-setting rushing performances at Old Dominion and an All-AAC selection at Memphis. At the professional level, his primary achievements so far include making an NFL 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent and continuing his career on a practice squad in 2025.
Old Dominion Highlights
At Old Dominion, Watson finished his career with 398 carries for 2,146 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus 60 receptions for 448 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 259-yard rushing performance against Coastal Carolina remains one of the most celebrated single-game efforts in program history. The 2022 season also featured 158 carries for 918 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Memphis Highlights
At Memphis, Watson earned First-team All-AAC honors in 2023. His time with the Tigers allowed him to showcase his skills against stronger competition and prepare for the professional level. The transition helped position him for his eventual NFL opportunity.
Blake Watson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Blake Watson was born and raised in Queens, New York, where his athletic foundation began. Specific details about his parents and family support system are not publicly documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Watson’s personal life details are not publicly documented in available sources. His focus remains on his professional football career as he works toward a stable NFL role.
2025 Season Performance
Watson’s 2025 season began with the Denver Broncos, where he competed in training camp and preseason action. During Week 3 of the preseason against the New Orleans Saints, he suffered a PCL strain and was waived with a short-term injury settlement on August 25. The Broncos expressed interest in re-signing him to their practice squad once he recovered.
On September 29, 2025, Watson signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, marking a fresh opportunity within a new organization. He was placed on practice squad injured reserve on October 2 as he continued his recovery. His transition to Tennessee signals continued belief in his long-term potential as a professional running back.
Looking ahead, Watson’s primary goal is to return to full health and earn a promotion to the Titans’ active roster. With his receiving ability and physical running style, he offers the kind of versatile backfield depth NFL teams value. His perseverance from undrafted free agent to multi-team professional remains the defining storyline of his 2025 campaign.