[2][3] Watson was introduced to American football by a close friend and began practicing to be a placekicker after the Phantoms folded in late 1967.
[4] He attended a kicking camp hosted by the Dallas Cowboys and run by Ben Agajanian; Watson performed well enough to be signed by the team.
[4] He tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969 and received a contract, later being sent to the Ohio Valley Ironmen of the Continental Football League (CoFL).
[2][5] After returning to the Steelers in 1970, Watson played through preseason but was ultimately released in favor of Gene Mingo; however, after Mingo struggled late in the season, Watson was re-signed and played in the final four games.
[4] He joined the Chicago Fire of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974, making 4-of-7 field goal attempts including a league-record 53-yard kick.