Getty ImagesThe Browns put tight end Benjamin Watson on injured reserve following his third concussion of 2011. But Watson says he’s going to be fine in 2012.
“I’m great,” Watson told the Boston Herald. “Three or four days after the last incident, I felt normal. I passed all my cognitive tests. I didn’t have any headaches. I didn’t have any nausea. I didn’t have any dizziness.”
Watson suffered his final concussion of 2011 on the same Thursday night against the Steelers when teammate Colt McCoy was concussed, and although the Browns were widely criticized for their handling of McCoy, Watson said the team was cautious with his own concussions.
“With three games left, they just erred on the side of caution and decided to end the season for me,” Watson said. “You hate for that to happen, but that’s why the doctors are in place. As far as lingering symptoms, I didn’t have anything. I know some guys have headaches for weeks. That wasn’t my scenario, thankfully. So hopefully, it was just a bad-luck year.”
Still, when your luck is bad enough that you suffer three concussions in a year, it’s hard not to be a little concerned. Watson said that’s just the nature of playing tight end in the NFL.
“You’re talking about guys who are big and have to do a lot of stuff,” Watson said. “A tight end has to play a lot of different positions. And there’s a lot of contact at high speeds in the middle. We’re in a lot of vulnerable positions because of the routes that we run. And a lot of times when we catch the ball, we can’t see who’s coming. Then, couple that with having to block the big boys . . . I don’t know, it’s just a dangerously fun game.”
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I knew that he had 3 concussions , but
somebody needs to inform them that it’s already 2012 .
I sure hope that his long-term health isn’t compromised.
Cool, just in time to retire.
Watson is a smart, classy guy. Too bad he’s stuck playing for the Browns.
Maybe he should take a year off. Just in case.
After three concussions in 2011, Ben Watson says he’s “ready for 2012″…. only he can’t remember saying it. that’s the problem.
After 3 concussions in 5 months, I’m sure “i’m ready for 2012″ wasnt the only questionable thing he’s been saying.
Dangerous, man. Not worth it. Think about your family and your future. But if you need the money, PLEASE wear a new-concussion-resisitant -technology helmet. Just can’t stand seeing guys still wearing the old school headgear. Always a gripe of mine that the NFL doesn’t mandate the new helmets, Otherwise, sure looks an awful lot like they’re more interested in fine money than saftey to me…
Love that despite 3 concussions and determination to play, this guy is being taken seriously. Players should be better protected from stupid life choices post-injury.
When asked to elaborate on how be plans to train to accomplish that, Watson responded “Wait, what? Why are all you people here with cameras?”
Belichick would use him as the number three tight end…
Some please give this man a cushy job and save him from himself.
I’m gonna be fine for 2011…What! It’s 2012?!…I might need some help.
Always remember this kid for his hit on Champ Bailey
He made Tom Brady better than he was back then.
pacodawg
Your comment shows that you obviously did not follow the Patriots during Watson’s time with the team.
Is it really so hard to understand that he’s obviously talking about the 2012 football season as opposed to the year 2012?