Pat Watkins facts for kids

Patrick Watkins was born on December 18, 1982. He is an American former professional football player. He played as a safety. Patrick played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. He also played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos. Before turning pro, he played college football at Florida State University.

Early Life and High School Football

Patrick Watkins grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. He went to Lincoln High School. There, he helped his team win two state championships.

As a junior, he made 126 tackles and caught 5 interceptions. In his senior year, he had 140 tackles and 6 interceptions. He also recovered 2 fumbles and scored 6 touchdowns from kickoff returns. Patrick was recognized as an All-state player and an All-American by USA Today and Parade magazine.

College Football Career

Patrick received a football scholarship to Florida State University. As a freshman, he played in 11 games. He was a backup player and made 10 tackles.

In his second year, he played in all 13 games. He made 62 tackles, which was fifth on the team. He also tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions. His first time starting a game was in the 2004 Orange Bowl.

As a junior, he started all 12 games. He had 56 tackles and 4 interceptions. He also forced 2 fumbles and recovered 2 fumbles.

In his senior year, he played in all 13 games and started 10 of them. He made 77 tackles and had 3 interceptions. Patrick finished his college career having played in 49 games. He started 23 of those games as both a safety and a cornerback. He ended with 10 interceptions in college.

Professional Football Journey

Patrick Watkins was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He was the 138th player picked overall.

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys

As a rookie in 2006, Patrick played in 14 games and started 9. He made 49 tackles, which was the most among all rookies in the NFL. He also had 3 interceptions, 6 passes defended, and 4 special teams tackles. He forced 2 fumbles and recovered one. He became one of the tallest safeties in NFL history.

In 2007, he became a key player on special teams. He made 30 tackles and had one interception. He also led the team with 25 special teams tackles. He even returned a blocked field goal 68 yards for a touchdown.

In 2008, he changed from free safety to strong safety. He played in 8 games before a neck injury ended his season.

In 2009, he had 22 tackles and 18 special teams tackles. He played in 13 games before getting a knee injury. He missed the rest of the regular season but returned for the playoffs. He was released by the Cowboys in 2010.

Time with the San Diego Chargers

On November 15, 2010, the San Diego Chargers signed Patrick. They wanted him to help their special teams. However, he re-injured his knee and was placed on the injured list. He did not play for the Chargers again after that season.

Success with the Toronto Argonauts

After taking a year off to recover from his knee injury, Patrick signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL on May 30, 2012. He started 18 games as a right cornerback. He had 67 tackles and 5 interceptions, which tied for the most in the CFL. He also recovered 2 fumbles. Patrick was named a CFL All-Star that year. He missed the championship game due to an ankle injury.

In 2013, he was again named to the CFL All-Star team. He started 17 games, making 43 tackles and 5 interceptions.

Joining the Edmonton Eskimos

On February 12, 2014, Patrick signed with the Edmonton Eskimos. In 18 starts, he made 36 tackles and defended 7 passes. He also forced 2 fumbles and recovered one, which he returned 50 yards for a touchdown.

In 2015, he had 66 tackles and 4 interceptions. One of his interceptions was returned 47 yards for a touchdown. He also helped his team win the Grey Cup championship.

In 2016, he made 73 tackles and had 2 interceptions. He was not re-signed by the Eskimos after this season.