Joe Watson

Joseph LaVernie Watson (August 19, 1925 – November 2, 2006) was an American professional football player who played one season with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Lions with the fifth overall pick of the 1950 NFL draft. He played college football at Rice University.

Early life and college Joseph LaVernie Watson was born on August 19, 1925, in Sherman, Texas. He was also named first-team Al-SWC by the United Press (UP) in 1949. In 1949, Watson was named a first-team All-American by both the International News Service and Newspaper Editors Association, and a second-team All-American by both the UP and Football Writers Association of America.

Professional career Watson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round, with the fifth overall pick, of the 1950 NFL draft. He was released in 1950.

Personal life Watson served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He died on November 2, 2006, in Houston, Texas. Watson was 81 years old.