Nathaniel Watson Bio
Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson, born on September 1, 2000, is an American professional football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing around 234 pounds, he plays on the defensive side of the ball and was drafted by Cleveland in 2024. Before reaching the NFL, Watson built his reputation as a hard-hitting linebacker for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where he earned All-SEC recognition and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Nathaniel Watson was born and raised in Maplesville, a small town in Alabama. He grew up in a tight-knit community that rallied around high school football, and the sport quickly became a central part of his life. Coming from a family with deep football roots, Watson was exposed to the game at an early age through relatives who had played at the highest level.
Watson attended Maplesville High School, where he starred on both sides of the ball. On offense, he played receiver and caught 45 passes for 1,070 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also adding 376 rushing yards and five scores. On defense, he lined up at linebacker and racked up 70 tackles along with four interceptions, returning two of those picks for touchdowns. That versatility made him one of the most talked-about recruits in the state.
After high school, Watson chose to continue his football career at Mississippi State, passing on offers from programs such as Auburn and Ole Miss. His decision set the stage for his development into one of the top linebackers in the Southeastern Conference.
Path to American Football
Watson’s journey to professional football began in earnest when he committed to Mississippi State. The Bulldogs gave him the platform to grow from a lightly used freshman into a defensive leader. His high school experience playing on both sides of the ball helped him adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of the college game.
During his first two seasons in Starkville, Watson saw limited action and posted a combined five tackles. The 2020 season gave him a larger role, and he responded with 39 tackles and three tackles for loss. By 2021, Watson had emerged as a dependable starter, finishing the year with 83 tackles, six tackles for loss, and five sacks.
His breakout campaign arrived in 2022, when he piled up 133 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. The performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors, and he entered 2023 as a preseason All-American candidate on several watch lists, including the Lombardi Award and the Bednarik Award.
Nathaniel Watson Career
Early Career (2018-2021)
Watson’s college career started slowly, as he played sparingly in 2018 and 2019. He used those seasons to learn the defensive schemes and adjust to the demands of SEC football. By his sophomore year in 2020, he was contributing on a regular basis and finished with 39 tackles.
His 2021 season showed real growth. He delivered a standout performance against Alabama with 16 tackles and a sack, even though the Bulldogs fell in that game. By the end of the year, Watson had become a reliable tackler in the middle of the Mississippi State defense.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Breakthrough (2022-2023)
The 2022 season marked Watson’s true arrival as a star. He opened the year with his first career interception, picking off Jayden de Laura and returning it 51 yards against Arizona. He also forced a key fumble in the red zone against Texas A&M before being ejected on a controversial targeting call. Despite that setback, his production was impossible to ignore.
Watson earned second-team All-SEC recognition after the 2022 campaign and entered the 2023 season with major expectations. He delivered on every one of them, anchoring the Bulldogs defense with another strong season of tackles and big plays. His efforts were rewarded with first-team All-SEC honors and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Across his Mississippi State career, Watson developed into one of the most productive linebackers in program history. His combination of instincts, speed, and physicality made him a focal point of opposing game plans and a leader in the locker room.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024-Present)
Watson’s stock as a hard-nosed linebacker pushed him into the 2024 NFL Draft, where the Cleveland Browns selected him in the sixth round with the 206th overall pick. He signed his rookie contract and began working to carve out a role on Cleveland’s defense.
Watson was waived on September 19, 2024, but he did not stay off the roster for long. The Browns re-signed him to the practice squad, and he was promoted back to the active roster on October 2. His perseverance earned him a chance to contribute on special teams and in defensive packages.
In August 2025, Watson was placed on injured reserve, a move that ended his 2025 season. Despite the setback, he remains a part of Cleveland’s long-term plans at the linebacker position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Watson is known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to read the game quickly. He excels at attacking the line of scrimmage, pursuing ball carriers sideline to sideline, and using his strength to shed blockers. His coverage skills, developed through years of playing multiple positions in high school, give him the versatility to match up with both running backs and tight ends.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Watson’s signature college moments came in 2022 when he returned his first interception 51 yards against Arizona. He also earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023, cementing his legacy at Mississippi State. Being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2024 marked another major milestone in his young career.
Nathaniel Watson Career Wins
Watson’s career achievements are rooted more in individual accolades and team contributions than in championship victories. At Mississippi State, he was a two-time All-SEC selection, earning second-team honors in 2022 and first-team recognition in 2023. He was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year following his standout 2023 campaign.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Highlights
During his time with the Bulldogs, Watson posted back-to-back seasons with more than 80 tackles, including a 133-tackle breakout year in 2022. He added 18 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions, and multiple forced fumbles across his career. His play helped anchor the Mississippi State defense during one of the most competitive eras of SEC football.
Other Wins & Performances
Watson earned preseason recognition heading into the 2023 season, landing on watch lists for the Lombardi Award and the Bednarik Award. He was also named a preseason fourth-team All-American by Athlon Sports, highlighting the respect he commanded around college football.
Nathaniel Watson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Football runs deep in the Watson family. Watson’s uncle, Harold Morrow, played fullback in the NFL from 1996 to 2005. His great uncle, Tommie Agee, was a running back in the NFL from 1988 to 1994 and won Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. That family pedigree helped shape Watson’s passion for the game from a young age.
Personal Life
Watson, nicknamed “Bookie,” continues to live the life of a young professional athlete balancing football with his personal commitments. He remains connected to his hometown of Maplesville, Alabama, and to the Mississippi State community that helped launch his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a challenging one for Nathaniel Watson. He spent the early portion of the year working to secure a regular role with the Cleveland Browns after spending his rookie season bouncing between the active roster and the practice squad. Coaches praised his work ethic and his willingness to contribute on special teams.
Unfortunately, Watson’s season came to an early end when he was placed on injured reserve on August 21, 2025. The Browns and their fans were forced to look ahead to 2026, when Watson is expected to return healthy and compete for an expanded role on defense.
Despite the setback, Watson’s trajectory remains promising. His college production, his family football background, and his resilience through his first NFL season all point to a player who can develop into a key contributor for Cleveland in the years to come.