Texas Longhorns Celebrate Record Number of Players Drafted into NFL; Ryan Watts Headed to Pittsburgh Steelers!
The Texas Longhorns have plenty to celebrate as they set a new program record with an impressive 11 players drafted into the NFL in the 2024 Draft. Among these talented individuals is former Ohio State defensive back transfer, Ryan Watts, whose dream of playing at the professional level has now become a reality with his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 195th overall pick in the sixth round.
Watts expressed his excitement and gratitude for joining the Steelers, a team he describes as one of the iconic “football heaven” franchises known for their storied history of defensive excellence.
“It’s amazing to be picked by one of those ‘football heaven’ teams. Playing for the gold and black, it’s really a blessing with all the defensive players and defensive backs they’ve had in their history,” Watts shared in a statement released by the program. “That history is incredible, and I’m blessed to be a part of the organization.”
The versatile Watts is expected to make an impact on the field, potentially transitioning to safety while also contributing on special teams. His family shared in his excitement, erupting with joy when they heard Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on the other end of the phone call.
Reflecting on his journey and the legacy of Texas as “DBU” (Defensive Back University), Watts expressed pride in joining the ranks of top-notch defensive backs produced by the program. He emphasized his commitment to uphold the tradition of excellence and pave the way for future Longhorns to continue elevating the standard.
As Texas prepares to fill the void left by Watts’s departure, emerging talents like Malik Muhammad and Jaylon Guilbeau stand ready to step up. Watts leaves behind a legacy of leadership and immediate impact, showcasing the program’s development and progress.
With his sights set on making an impact at the professional level, Watts remains grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to representing Texas with pride as he embarks on this new chapter in his football career.
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