Menelik Watson

Menelik Watson (born 22 December 1988) is an English former professional American football offensive tackle. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles.

Early life Watson was born into a single-parent family of four brothers and a sister raised on the Anson Estate in Longsight, Greater Manchester, England; his mother, originally from Jamaica, worked as an office cleaner to support the family.

However, after it became clear that even at Watson was too short to play power forward, After a single year at Saddleback, he transferred to Florida State University, where he started 12 of 13 games for the Florida State Seminoles football team during the 2012 season, allowing just one quarterback sack.

After his 2012 season, Watson announced his decision to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.

Professional career

Oakland Raiders Watson was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft with the 42nd overall pick.

Watson dressed for five games while starting for three of them in his rookie year.

On 28 September 2014, Watson was named Raiders' honorary captain for the International Series game against the Miami Dolphins, leading the Raiders out at Wembley Stadium.

In December 2014, Watson donated his game check to a four-year-old Oakland Raiders fan with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which is estimated to be around $18,000.

On 30 August 2015, Watson suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. On 1 September 2015, the Raiders placed Watson on injured reserve.

Denver Broncos On 10 March 2017, Watson signed a three-year contract with the Denver Broncos. He started the first seven games at right tackle before suffering a calf injury and was placed on injured reserve on 8 November 2017.

On 20 August 2018, Watson was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury. He was released on 8 September 2018.

Personal life Watson has a daughter Orellana—named in honour of his mentor Rob—who lives in Manchester with her mother.