Blake Watson is a talented running back currently building his career in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his explosive speed and versatility in college, he is working hard to establish himself on a professional roster.
In this article, you will know Blake Watson’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Blake Watson’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Watson |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Education | Old Dominion University / University of Memphis |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 (Undrafted Free Agent) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $500,000 |
| Career Earnings | $681,111 |
| Wife | Abby Akin |
| Instagram Profile | @blakewat23 |
| Current Team | Tennessee Titans (Practice Squad) |
Early Career
Blake Watson began his college football journey at Old Dominion University. He started as a wide receiver before moving to running back, a switch that highlighted his versatility. During his time at Old Dominion, he became a key player for the offense.
In 2022, he set a school record with 256 rushing yards in a single game against Coastal Carolina. He finished that season with over 900 rushing yards, proving he could handle a heavy workload.​
Watson transferred to the University of Memphis for his final year of eligibility. At Memphis, he had a breakout season in 2023. He rushed for 1,152 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, becoming one of the top offensive threats in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
His ability to catch passes out of the backfield was also impressive, as he added over 480 receiving yards. This strong performance at Memphis put him on the radar for NFL teams ahead of the 2024 draft.​
Professional Career
Watson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Denver Broncos in May 2024 following the NFL Draft. He faced the typical challenges of an undrafted rookie, fighting for a roster spot during training camp.
Although he was waived during the final roster cuts, the Broncos brought him back to their practice squad. He saw his first regular-season action late in his rookie year, notably being elevated to the active roster for a game against the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2024.​
Watson continued to work for a permanent spot in the league. He spent the offseason with the Broncos but was waived with an injury settlement in August 2025.
After recovering, he found a new opportunity with the Tennessee Titans, signing to their practice squad in September 2025.
His professional journey reflects the grit required for undrafted players, as he continues to develop his skills and stay ready for game-day opportunities.​
Wife
Blake Watson is married to Abby Akin. The couple celebrated their wedding in the summer of 2025, with Abby sharing photos of their wedding video in August 2025. Abby Akin is also an athlete, having played collegiate volleyball at Northern Arizona University.
The two share a supportive relationship, often posting about each other on social media as they navigate their respective careers. As of late 2025, there are no public reports of the couple having children.​
Blake Watson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Blake Watson’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. This figure is derived primarily from his NFL salary and signing bonuses earned over his first two seasons.
Contract
Watson signed a practice squad contract with the Tennessee Titans. Practice squad contracts are typically fixed weekly amounts.
For the 2025 season, a standard practice squad player earns around $12,500 per week, which totals roughly $225,000 to $234,000 for a full season.
His initial rookie deal with the Broncos in 2024 was a three-year contract worth $2.855 million, but these contracts are not fully guaranteed, meaning he only earned the portion for the time he was with the team.​
Salary
For the 2025 season, Watson’s cash payout is estimated at approximately $182,000 to $234,000, depending on how many weeks he remains on the practice squad.
In his rookie season (2024), he earned a base salary plus signing bonuses that totaled roughly $334,000. These figures represent gross income before taxes and agent fees.​
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Denver Broncos | ~$334,167 | Rookie Season (Active/PS) ​ |
| 2025 | Tennessee Titans | ~$182,000* | Practice Squad (Estimated) ​ |
| Total | ~$516,167 |
Endorsements
Blake Watson has not publicly secured any major national endorsement deals, which is common for players who begin their careers as undrafted free agents and spend significant time on practice squads.
Unlike first-round draft picks who often sign lucrative contracts with brands like Nike or Adidas immediately upon entering the league, Watson’s commercial profile is still in the developmental stage.
During his collegiate career at the University of Memphis and Old Dominion, he utilized platforms like Opendorse to connect with potential sponsors for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, a practice he can continue to leverage as a professional.
Career Stats
| Season | Team/School | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Old Dominion | 11 | 159 | 918 | 5.8 | 5 | 37 | 314 | 2 |
| 2023 | Memphis | 13 | 192 | 1,152 | 6.0 | 14 | 53 | 480 | 3 |
| 2024 | Denver Broncos (NFL) | 2 | 4 | 10 | 2.5 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0 |
| 2025 | Tennessee Titans (NFL) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
1. Was Watson selected in the 2024 NFL Draft?
NFL teams passed on selecting him during the official seven rounds of the 2024 draft. He immediately joined the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent to start his professional journey in the league.
2. Which position did he play before running back?
He originally committed to Old Dominion University as a wide receiver before the coaching staff switched him to running back. This receiver background allows him to catch passes effectively out of the backfield today.
3. How did Watson perform during his time at Memphis?
He dominated opposing defenses by rushing for 1,152 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in his lone season at Memphis. His productive performance earned him recognition as one of the top running backs in the conference.
4. What financial guarantees did Watson receive as a rookie?
The Denver Broncos provided him with $275,000 in total guaranteed money, including a $25,000 signing bonus. This substantial amount for an undrafted free agent demonstrated the team’s strong interest in his potential development.
5. What are Watson’s main strengths on the field?
Scouts and coaches praise his elite speed and dual-threat ability to run and catch the football. He utilizes his quickness to evade defenders and creates significant mismatches when lining up against linebackers.
