{
  "id": 2269874,
  "title": "Deshaun Watson receives huge praise from Bills 5x Pro Bowl OT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/deshaun-watson-receives-huge-praise-from-bills-5x-pro-bowl-ot",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T01:24:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/deshaun-watson-receives-huge-praise-012421752.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, a five-time Pro Bowler, is still convinced in the talent of Deshaun Watson. After the Buffalo Bills’ joint practice with the Cleveland Browns, Dawkins praised the quarterback, stating that Watson remains the same person. He also affirmed Watson’s capability to excel with the right protection. “Deshaun is still him,” Dawkins affirmed. “If you have a line that can protect the quarterback, then the quarterback is going to thrive. And he’s been that guy. He is that guy. And the world tries to paint a crazy picture that’s already painted. But let the past be the past. The kid ball(s). He’s a baller. And he’s here, and he shows it. He’s a baller. But the battles are there, and they kept going.”\n\nWatson’s career speaks volumes. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, Watson has played 73 games in his NFL career, completing 1,527 of his 2,305 passes for 17,904 yards. His completion rate stands at 66.2 percent, with an average of 7.8 yards per attempt. He has thrown 123 touchdowns and 48 interceptions, boasting a career passer rating of 98.8. The three-time Pro Bowler's prime came during his tenure with the Houston Texans, where he achieved three Pro Bowl selections, led the league in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating in 2020, and completed 70.2 percent of his passes.\n\nHowever, Watson's career has been marred by injuries. In 2023, he played only six games before a shoulder injury ended his season. The following year, a torn Achilles forced him to miss the entire 2025 campaign while continuing his recovery. Despite these setbacks, Dawkins remains optimistic. \"We’re in practice, and if he’s playing on Saturday, then he’ll be balling again,\" Dawkins predicted. Watson has plenty to prove, but Dawkins believes he is still the same QB. Now, it’s Watson’s chance to show it on the field.",
  "summary": "Dion Dawkins still believes in Deshaun Watson. The NFL star delivered a strong message after the Buffalo Bills’ joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday. Dawkins, a veteran offensive tackle and five-time Pro Bowler, described Watson as “still him.”…",
  "key_points": [
    "Deshaun Watson praised by veteran offensive tackle Dion Dawkins.",
    "Dawkins believes Watson will thrive with proper protection.",
    "Watson has completed 1,527 of 2,305 passes in his NFL career."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Dion Dawkins' praise of Deshaun Watson signals that some NFL peers still believe in his talent, despite injuries and controversy, giving Watson a chance to revive his career with a strong performance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}