Former Buccaneer looks to continue his rise in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Wide receiver Justin Watson has had to get his finger sized for Super Bowl rings three times: once with Tampa Bay and twice with Kansas City.

Despite his personal and team successes, Watson knows that nothing he has done in the past means anything in the present.

“I think it’s a quote from Hank Aaron that I really like,” Watson said. “‘Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.’ That’s always how you should attack the season. No one cares that you won the Super Bowl last year.

Watson played with the Buccaneers from 2018-2021. He earned limited playing time behind players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But he did enough to catch the attention of the Chiefs, who signed him before the 2022 season.

He joined a new high-powered offense led by two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.

“At first you’re just trying to figure out the clearances on the head. Then it’s like drawing the line on the head,” Watson explained. “But what do you have in the program that you can work with? Now, in my third year, it’s really about aligning with Pat.”

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Watson’s road had its share of bumps. At one point, he was so eager to stay on the roster that he took part in defensive meetings with the Bucs.

“It was funny because he was in the safety room for a few weeks before he went to KC – which is crazy. I don’t know if anyone really knew about that,” Bucs safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. recalled. “It’s crazy to see how that opportunity turned around. Now he’s starting at KC and doing great there, so it’s really cool to see.”

At 28 years old, Watson is embracing his role as a veteran and leader in the Chiefs’ locker room.

“It’s cool to know what the coaches want, know what Pat wants and be able to share some insight with these guys so they don’t have to learn the hard way,” Watson added. “It was fun to come in as the new guy, and after three years find myself as the old guy in the room. And the guy who has a few more gray hairs here and there.”

“Three-time Super Bowl Champion” may not be the title you expect with Watson’s name, but he couldn’t be happier to continue his ride in the NFL.

“I feel like I’m a kid again. Just getting out there,” he said with a smile. “I can’t believe I can still put on a helmet and call this a job.”