Benjamin Watson reflects on physical toll of 16-season NFL career
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 6:41 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson recently detailed the lingering physical impact of injuries sustained during his 16-season professional career. Watson, who played from 2004 to 2019, identified a 2016 Achilles tendon rupture suffered during a preseason game with the Baltimore Ravens as an injury that still affects him today. He missed the entire 2016 regular season following the event but returned to play for three additional years. The veteran also recalled his 2004 rookie season with the New England Patriots, which ended prematurely due to a torn ACL. While sidelined during his debut year, Watson noted the emotional difficulty of watching his team win a Super Bowl from the bench. He credited his family and support network for helping him navigate the recovery processes and the personal challenges associated with long-term professional play.
- •Benjamin Watson played 16 seasons in the NFL between 2004 and 2019.
- •A 2016 Achilles tendon injury sustained with the Baltimore Ravens continues to cause lingering physical issues.
- •Watson suffered a torn ACL during his 2004 rookie season with the New England Patriots.
- •The veteran tight end publicly reflected on his injury history via social media.
- 6:41 PMYahoo Sports — 16-Year NFL Veteran Opens Up on Lasting Physical Toll of Football Career
"Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson retired in 2020 after coming back from retirement in 2019 to play for New England Patriots. After six years of his retirement, he opened up on an injury that still makes him suffer after all these years. While he was playing for the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, he ruptured […] The post 16-Year NFL Veteran Opens Up on Lasting Physical Toll of Football Career appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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