The message is made very clear, Benjamin Watson wants “one more.” He wants one more on the field, as in fighting for “one more yard,” or needing “one more” score to secure a win for his team, so he can pursue “one more” ring. Watson also wants one more off the field however, as that is what he appropriately named his foundation, as he is always striving touch one more soul to get them closer to God in times of need. The purpose of “One More” according to Watson on his website, watsononemore.org, is “dedicated to impacting lives by spreading the love and hope of Christ to One More soul by meeting real needs, promoting education and providing enrichment opportunities through charitable initiatives and partnerships.”
Watson was drafted by the Patriots with the last pick of the first round in 2004, after playing three years for the Georgia Bulldogs. In those three years after transferring from Duke University, Watson recorded 65 catches for 852 yards and 6 touchdowns in his career. He went on to play six seasons in a Patriots uniform, which included winning a ring when the Pats upended the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. Watson also was on the Patriots in 2007 when they ran the table in the regular season and advanced to the Super Bowl with a perfect 18-0 record, only to fall to the Giants. Watson’s best season with the Pats came in 2006, he recorded 49 catches for 643 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Watson’s career was somewhat resurrected when he signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent before the 2010 season. In his first year in Cleveland, Watson recorded career highs in receptions (68) targets (102) and yards (763.)
Whether it be in the New England area, Cleveland, Athens, or his hometown of Norfolk, VA, Watson is constantly committed to reaching out and finding the one more soul he feels needs guidance. “Since its inception, our desire has been for One More to be a vehicle to carry the hope and love of Christ to those in our community who need it most,” Watson said, “while understanding that the best and most efficient way to reach people’s hearts is by first meeting their physical needs.” “(My wife Kristen and I) mission is to simply be a blessing to those around us wherever we are, whether that’s supporting existing charities, or initiating programs of our own.” “We are excited about potential partnerships in the endeavor and are sincerely grateful for the support as we accept God’s call to continually reach One More.” Benjamin and Kristen routinely participated in community service dating back to their time dating at Georgia. They knew in their hearts the importance of service, giving, and building relationships. These values that were instilled in them from an early age are the same values they hope will continue to be part of their legacy. “One More” was established in 2008, and serves as an extension of Kirsten and Benjamin as they reach out to the community with faith in God as their foundation. Benjamin also states on his website that this also “allows them to support and partner with those who share their desire to make a positive difference in the world.”
Along with the “One More” foundation, another big event Watson does is host his annual free football camp. Since 2006 Ben has hosted the camp in Rock Hill, SC. The focus is on football fundamentals, faith and life skills. In addition to the Rock Hill camp, he has held a similar free camp in Cleveland, OH, the past two years. Ben has also connected with the Cleveland community when he held his 2012 Season Game Ticket Program. The program gave tickets, parking passes and food vouchers to The City Mission of Cleveland for Browns home games in 2012. On November 15, he hosted a thanksgiving program called “Chow Down with a Brown” fed a few hundred people in the Cleveland area and share about life in the NFL, faith and family. Watson has also been an active member in the NFL play 60 program, has given out academic scholarships, along with donating to and supporting charities like the YMCA, Salvation Army and City Mission. Finally, Watson has hosted events such as a Christmas toy giveaway this past December, and also led a mission trip for some teammates down in Jamaica. He also is a key figure for the NFL Players Association, and the Pro Athlete Outreach Board of Directors.
Watson has gone above and beyond the public calling to help others, and has impacted hundreds and maybe even thousands during his career. Despite the high number however, if you ask him whether he has done enough, his answer will always be “One More.”
