Joseph LaVernie Watson was born on August 19, 1925, in Sherman, Texas.

[1] He earned Associated Press first-team All-Southwest Conference (SWC) honors in 1947, 1948, and 1949.

[6][7][8][9] Watson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round, with the fifth overall pick, of the 1950 NFL draft.

[10] He played in eight games, starting seven, for the Lions during the 1950 season, recording one interception and one fumble recovery.

[11] Watson served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.