Deshaun Watson’s off-field life became one of the most significant controversies in NFL history, impacting his performance on the field and how fans viewed him.
With the chaos that began in the 2021 offseason behind him, Watson recently married Jilly Anais and shared moments from the ceremony on social media, marking a new chapter in his life.
Deshaun Watson Shares Wedding Moments on His Instagram
In recent years, Watson has become an unavoidable media target. After emerging as one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks between 2018 and 2020, Watson saw his career collapse following the 2020 season due to lawsuits involving sexual misconduct, which ended in civil settlements and an NFL suspension.
After arriving in Cleveland through a historic trade that included three first-round picks and a fully guaranteed contract, Watson failed to regain his previous form and saw his status in the league decline. The quarterback recently announced a new chapter in his life that signals a fresh start.
He married 29-year-old model and influencer Anais, whom he has been dating since 2019. Anais stood by Watson throughout his legal battles, and in an Instagram post featuring wedding photos, she wrote, “HEY HUSBAND,” celebrating their marriage.
Anais has consistently supported Watson, attending his games from his Houston Texans days through his time with the Browns, and now enters a new and challenging phase in the quarterback’s life.
Will Watson Be Able to Play In 2025?
Watson is battling an Achilles injury, having reaggravated the issue while recovering from a previous injury suffered last season. It’s unlikely he’ll be cleared to play at any point this season, so the franchise brought in four quarterbacks to compete for the job.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles again, could miss all of 2025. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Ul9sDoPNyw
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2025
Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are competing for the Browns’ starting quarterback job in 2025, with Watson virtually ruled out for the season.
Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has played seven games in a single season, including seven last year. He appeared in just six games in 2022 and 2023 in previous years, posting numbers well below expectations compared to his time in Houston, especially during his standout 2020 season.
The contract Watson signed in 2022 provides protections in case of a release or trade during the 2026 offseason, but his future with the franchise appears highly uncertain. If he returns to the field, Watson will likely play for a different team next year, potentially fighting for a roster spot.
