National Football Foundation

A dangerous three-way player on the field and an equally dedicated scholar in the classroom, Joe Watson's accomplishments during his career at Greenville High School epitomize the phrase "scholar-athlete." 

An honor student, Joe ranked number one in his class of 195 students. Showing devout dedication to his class work, he never missed a day during his four years of high school. Among his numerous academic accomplishments, Joe won the Regional Geometry Contest and placed 11th in the National French Exam. A recipient of the AP Biology II Award, Pre-Calculus Award and French Award, he was named an AIM Scholar. 

While he excelled in the classroom, Watson generated an equally impressive record on the football field. He played wide receiver, free safety and returned both punts and kickoffs for Greeneville. A two-time All-Region selection and three-time All-County team pick, Watson was an All-State selection by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and the Associated Press his senior year. 

Always contributing numerous hours of community service, Watson volunteers for such causes as Meals-On-Wheels, Creek Clean-Up Crew and the Flood Victim Aid Committee. He also served as a peer tutor, vice president of the Photography Club and junior deacon at the Greenlawn Baptist Church. For his performance on the gridiron and baseball diamond, Watson was named the 2002-2003 Tennessee Region 2-4A Athlete of the Year.

Joe was a four-year letterman at Furman University and earned his bachelor's in political science. He received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee and is currently an associate working in the trial and appellate litigation group for Waller, Lansden, Dortch and Davis.