Breaking: Deshaun Watson, the legendary Clemson Tiger, is back as a co-owner Michael Drake, the CEO of athletics for the Clemson Tigers, made the historic announcement that legendary quarterback and team icon Deshaun Watson will rejoin the team as a co-owner in 2025.

In an unprecedented and historic announcement that has sent shockwaves throughout the collegiate football world, Michael Drake, the CEO of Athletics for the Clemson Tigers, declared that Deshaun Watson, the iconic former quarterback and Clemson legend, will return to the program in a groundbreaking role as a co-owner starting in 2025.

This landmark development marks not only a new chapter in Clemson’s rich football history but also signifies a bold new era for the program, intertwining the legacy of a storied athlete with the business and leadership side of college athletics.

At a press conference held at Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium, Michael Drake shared the electrifying news to a crowd of journalists, fans, and stakeholders. His words were met with overwhelming excitement and jubilation.

“Today, we welcome back one of the greatest Clemson Tigers to ever step on the field, not just as a member of the Clemson family, but as a partner in the future of this program,” Drake proclaimed. “Deshaun Watson will return in 2025 as a co-owner of the Clemson Tigers football program, a role that reflects his commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication to Clemson football.”

The decision to bring Watson on board in this unique ownership role demonstrates Clemson’s innovative approach to athletics, blending tradition with forward-thinking business leadership.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this announcement, it’s important to revisit the incredible journey of Deshaun Watson, whose impact on Clemson football and the broader sports world remains profound.

Watson joined Clemson in 2014 as a highly touted quarterback recruit, quickly ascending to stardom. His college career was marked by remarkable achievements, including leading the Tigers to a national championship victory in 2016. He rewrote Clemson’s record books, setting new benchmarks for passing yards, touchdowns, and wins.

Watson’s leadership on the field and charismatic presence off it transformed Clemson into a perennial powerhouse, while his resilience and competitive spirit earned him admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

Following his collegiate success, Watson was drafted into the NFL, where he continued to impress with his skill and determination. Yet despite his professional career, his connection to Clemson has never waned.

The co-ownership role for Watson is groundbreaking for multiple reasons. First, it represents one of the few instances in collegiate athletics where a former player assumes an ownership or executive position within a program.

This shift reflects the changing landscape of college sports, where athletes’ influence extends beyond the gridiron and into areas of governance, business operations, and brand development.

As a co-owner, Watson will work alongside Michael Drake and other executives to influence strategic decisions, marketing, community engagement, and long-term growth of Clemson’s football brand. His unique perspective as a former player and community figure will provide invaluable insights to the leadership team.

Watson’s involvement as co-owner is expected to reverberate throughout the Clemson program and beyond. His global profile will enhance recruiting, boost fan engagement, and create new revenue streams.

For recruits, having a former legendary player as a co-owner signals a strong commitment to athlete welfare, development, and legacy. It sends a powerful message that Clemson values its players not just as athletes but as future leaders and partners.

Watson’s brand, already immensely popular, will attract sponsorships and partnerships, elevating Clemson’s stature nationally and internationally. His business acumen and experience navigating both collegiate and professional sports landscapes will help Clemson adapt to the evolving challenges of college athletics, including NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and athlete empowerment.

Speaking at the press conference, Deshaun Watson expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.

“I am honored to return to Clemson, not just as an alumnus but as a co-owner. This program shaped me, taught me about leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Now, I want to help shape the future of Clemson football and ensure that our legacy continues to grow,” Watson said.

He outlined his vision for a holistic approach to the program’s success—one that balances competitive excellence with education, community engagement, and athlete empowerment.

Watson also emphasized his commitment to supporting young athletes both on and off the field. “It’s about creating an environment where players can thrive, grow as leaders, and prepare for life beyond football.”

The news of Watson’s return in this innovative role has ignited a wave of excitement across the Clemson fanbase and the wider football community.

Social media exploded with celebrations, with fans expressing pride and hope for the program’s future. Alumni praised the move as a testament to Clemson’s progressive vision, while current players welcomed the chance to learn from a living legend intimately familiar with their challenges and aspirations.

Local businesses and civic leaders also lauded the announcement, recognizing the economic and cultural boost this partnership will bring to the region.

While the announcement is undoubtedly thrilling, the role of co-owner in a collegiate program is uncharted territory and will come with unique challenges.

Navigating NCAA regulations, balancing commercial interests with educational priorities, and maintaining transparency will require careful leadership. Watson, Drake, and the Clemson administration have committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and collaboration.

Industry experts note that Watson’s ability to bridge player experience with business strategy will be crucial to the success of this initiative. His leadership skills, proven on the field, will now be tested in a different arena—one that blends sports, business, and community.

Watson’s co-ownership could mark the beginning of a new model in college sports, where former athletes play an active role in shaping their alma mater’s future. This innovative approach may inspire other programs to explore similar partnerships, fostering a closer relationship between athletic performance and program governance.

The move aligns with broader trends toward athlete empowerment, NIL rights, and evolving dynamics between universities, players, and commercial interests.

If successful, Clemson’s model could become a blueprint for how top-tier collegiate programs retain legendary figures in impactful leadership roles, ensuring legacy and progress go hand in hand.

Deshaun Watson’s return to Clemson as a co-owner in 2025 is a historic moment that bridges the past, present, and future of college football. It celebrates a remarkable athlete’s journey while heralding a new era of leadership, innovation, and partnership.

Under the joint leadership of Michael Drake and Deshaun Watson, Clemson Tigers football is poised to reach new heights—on the field, in the boardroom, and within the community. This fusion of athletic excellence and strategic vision promises to redefine what it means to be a Tiger, inspiring generations to come.

As Clemson embarks on this bold new path, fans, players, and the broader football world will be watching closely, eager to witness how this extraordinary collaboration reshapes the future of one of college football’s most storied programs