Gabe Watson
He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan.
High school career
Watson was a four year starter and lettererman on the varsity squad at Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan.
He played multiple positions, including Offensive tackle, Defensive tackle, punter, and was the team’s place-kicker for two seasons, though his special teams appearances were primarily due to an injury to the starting kicker. The team, ran 85 percent of their running plays behind him on offense.
Also, while at Southfield High, Watson earned All-State honors at both offensive and defensive tackle.
He also: was named All-American by Parade Magazine, selected as second team All-USA offensive lineman by USA Today, named first team all-state offense by the Detroit Free Press, rated #1 on The Detroit News Blue Chip list and named to their Dream Team, ranked the #1 player on Mick McCabe's Fab 50 of Michigan's top college football prospects, rated the #1 offensive lineman in the nation and earned All-America honors, the #23 overall prospect in nation, and #4 player in Midwest by Tom Lemming, named the #23 player in Midwest and #27 defensive lineman in nation by SuperPrep, ranked #3 defensive tackle and given a five-star rating (the only one in 2002 class to do so) by Rivals100.com, ranked #36 recruit by Collegefootballnews.com, rated the #21 player in country by Student Sports, named the #2 nose guard in nation by Max Emfinger, ranked the #33 offensive player in the nation by G&W Recruiting Report.
He was also on the wrestling, and track teams.
College career
While playing for the University of Michigan, Watson enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts and majored in general studies.
Freshman (2002)
In 2002, Waston his earned first varsity letter. He appeared in eight games and totaled two tackles.
Watson made his first career appearance at defensive tackle against the Washington Huskies.
He played defensive tackle against Purdue, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and Ohio State.
Sophomore (2003)
In 2003, Watson earned second varsity letter. He saw time at defensive tackle against USC in the Rose Bowl.
Watson was featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno during the teams Rose Bowl trip.
Junior (2004)
In 2004, Watson his earned third varsity letter.He was selected All-Big Ten first team by coaches, and All-Big Ten second team by the media. Watson played in all 12 games and started final 11 games at defensive tackle.
Watson tied for the team lead among defensive lineman in tackles.
Watson played at defensive tackle, and recorded one tackle againsty Miami. Watson was a consensus All-Big Ten Conference First-team choice and on the Lombardi Award watch list as a senior.
He finished his college career with 92 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks.
Professional career
Watson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
2006
In 2006, Watson appeard in 12 games, however was inactive for the first four games of the season.
He saw his first NFL action on the defense but did not record any statistics against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Watson recovered the first fumble of his career against the Seattle Seahawks. He totaled 34 tackles (25 solo).
Watson recorded his first statistics of the season during week three against the Baltimore Ravens.
In week four against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded two tackles (one solo). During week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, he recorded one tackle (one solo).
During week 15 against the New Orleans Saints, he recorded one tackle (one solo). In the season finale against the Rams, he recorded two tackles (one solo).
2008
In April 2008, Watson fractured his kneecap after falling on a treadmill at a health club.