Kendall Watson absorbed an impactful two-point landing — and he didn’t feel a thing.
Except exhilaration, that is.
Watson, a rookie receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, held on to the football after a jarring hit was administered by the Edmonton Elks’ Nyles Morgan with barely a minute left in a July 6 CFL game at Mosaic Stadium.
The two-point convert by Watson created an 11-11 tie. On the ensuing kickoff, Brett Lauther registered a rouge that proved to be the difference as Saskatchewan won 12-11.
During the game’s climactic stages, the Roughriders’ list of contributors was lengthy. Included was Watson, who was playing in only his second game of professional football.
“He ran a great route,’’ quarterback Trevor Harris said. “He was actually third in the progression, but it was good that we were able to get through it and get it to him.
“The ball was a tad higher than I wanted it to be, but he made a great catch. He’s just one of those guys who the moment is never going to be too big for.”
As evidence to that effect, Watson has made impactful plays in both of his regular-season games as a Roughrider.
On June 24 against the host Calgary Stampeders, Watson’s 21-yard reception on second-and-seven was followed on the next play by a 44-yard touchdown toss from Harris to Tevin Jones.
“We knew from about Day 3 or 4 of training camp that Kendall’s pretty special,” Harris said. “He has been great all year and he’s just a guy that you can trust.”
Watson established that trust with the quarterbacks at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. As a senior with the Samford Bulldogs in 2022, he made 88 receptions for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In so doing, he also caught the attention of Roughriders Assistant General Manager Paul Jones. Contact was established, a contract was offered, and the deal was signed on Dec. 23.
“I wanted an opportunity to play professionally and I knew that I could get that here,” the 5-foot-10, 183-pounder said.
“I knew that it was going to be a different experience. I wanted to expose myself to something that was going to be different and outside of my comfort zone, so that’s why I wanted to come here.”
Since making the decision, there hasn’t been an ounce of regret.
“It has been awesome,” the ever-smiling Watson said. “It’s more than you could really ever imagine, honestly.
“Coming from America, they don’t always tell you how cool it is up here and how cool the fan base is and about all the different experiences you get. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Of particular enjoyment is the waggle — the pre-snap running start that is part of the routine for inside receivers in Canadian football.
“It’s crazy,” said Watson, who hails from Chattanooga, Tenn. “I tell everyone back home, ‘It’s not fair.’
“I’ve always been a quicker guy so, to be able to have that type of running start, I feel like I can do anything. It’s awesome. I love the waggle.”
Not to mention that winning feeling.
The Roughriders (3-1) are undefeated with Watson in the lineup. His personal 2-0 slate more than makes up for any discomfort that can be created by a hit such as the one by Morgan.
“I felt it the next day, for sure,” Watson acknowledged. “In the moment, I didn’t feel anything because I was just so juiced up about the play.
“It was a good hit but, once I realized that I caught the ball, nothing else mattered.”
