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Shortly after the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Carolina Panthers 30-14 at the Panthers Stadium in Charlotte, Rutherford County Sports Writer Jacob Conley was invited into the NFL locker room to talk with players. As Conley stood among the boisterous crowd of Cowboys in the mood of festive celebrations, Conley said he looked over to the side at a familiar face.
"Tucked away in the back corner of the visiting locker room deep in the bowels of Bank of America Stadium, I found that familiar face and it belonged to Carlos Watkins. After a quick handshake and hug, the Henrietta native and Chase High School graduate sat down next to his locker for an interview," Conley said.
Conley shares the story with Rutherford Weekly readers:
"Man it's a great feeling to be back (close to) home," he said. "I have not played in Charlotte since my rookie year. God is so good and playing here again in front of family and friends is a blessing."
Two of more than 20 family members and friends attended the game included Watkins' parents Chad and Monica.
"It's always nice to see your son play no matter what level," Monica said. "I'm more excited for him than for me because playing in the NFL has been Carlos' dream since he was five years old playing Pee Wee Football at Chase. As a Mama, you want to see your kids fulfill their dreams and that's what he does every time he steps on the field."
"We turned it into a big reunion," Chad Watkins added. "We were all there to watch Carlos, but it was also a celebration of his journey."
Watkins certainly has had an eventful journey to the NFL. After a standout career at Chase High where he garnered a combined 29 sacks in his final two seasons there, Watkins attended Clemson University. During his time with the Tigers, Watkins earned first-team All-ACC status as both a Junior and a Senior. At the conclusion of his Senior season, he was named as an All-American and played a vital role on the Clemson team that won the 2016-17 National Championship.
Watkins was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans and has had a bit of a journeyman career from that point. He has played for five different teams: Houston, Dallas (two stints), Arizona, Los Angeles and Washington.
"I am happy to be back in Dallas," Watkins said during the locker room interview. "It's my second home. There were still lots of familiar faces from when I was here before. The plays and schemes were similar, so it did not take long at all to get comfortable."
"It's crazy to think that I am a veteran now," Watkins added with a laugh. "I have definitely learned a lot. I see the game differently. It has slowed down for me. My roles have changed, too. Now, I try to pass my knowledge on to younger guys and help them succeed. I still want to play as much as I can, but I am happy just doing what I can to help the team win."
To that end, Watkins was used sparingly against the Panthers as he was only on the field for 10 snaps, rotating with teammate Osa Odighizuwa at the Defensive Tackle position.
"Osa is a great guy and teammate," Watkins said. "He is having a career year and one of the best players at our position in the NFL. We rotate with each other to keep fresh. I have to stay ready for whenever I get the chance to go out there."
Even though Watkins, who turned 31 earlier this month, is considered a veteran by NFL standards, he has no plans to hang up the cleats and retire anytime soon.
"I don't know what God has planned for me in the future, but I think I've got a lot of football left in me," he said. "My body feels good and I'm still having fun. My body will tell me when it's time to retire."
Watkins' high school coach Daniel Bailey is impressed with his longevity.
"It's amazing to me that Carlos has been able to play so long and continue to produce at such a high level," Bailey said. "It's very physically demanding and difficult to keep your body ready to play and not have too many injuries."
Watkins uses his platform as an NFL player to give back to the Rutherford County community. One of the ways he does this is through the annual Carlos Watkins Youth Football Camp. The event is held annually at Chase for kids in the area to learn football and life skills and is offered free of charge.
Watkins' work off of the field is even more impressive to Bailey.
"As big as Carlos Watkins is, (6'3, 305 pounds), he has an even bigger heart," Bailey said. "Yes I am proud that he gets to play on Sunday, but I am even more proud that he gives back to and represents our community so well."
"Carlos is so good with the kids, he needs to be a coach when he retires," Monica Watkins said. "He is humble and such a positive influence on everyone."
In keeping with that attitude, Watkins' final words of our interview were directed at the young people (and really everyone) in Rutherford County.
"Follow your dreams and don't give up. Trust in God and trust in yourself and anything is possible. Every time I step on the field, I know I am representing everybody back home. I hope I make them proud."
