CLEMSON in the NFL

Former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson scored on a 49-yard TD rush and helped put away the game in the fourth quarter. (USA TODAY sports-David Kohl)
Former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson scored on a 49-yard TD rush and helped put away the game in the fourth quarter. (USA TODAY sports-David Kohl)

Reaction: Deshaun Watson wins first NFL start


by - Staff Writer -

Deshaun Watson led the Houston Texans to a road win in his first career NFL start Thursday night.

Watson put the Texans on top at Cincinnati with a 49-yard touchdown rush just before the half, and Houston held on from there in a 13-9 victory.

"It's a dream come true," Watson told the NFL Network after the win. "It's what I've been waiting for my whole life. Now is the time. We knew it was going to be tough. Every game in the NFL is tough. We had to work our way to the victory. I just wanted to thank all the guys for playing hard and playing to the fourth quarter. It was awesome."

Watson completed 15-of-24 passes for 125 yards and rushed for 67 yards on five carries. He targeted Clemson connection DeAndre Hopkins 13 times with seven completions for 73 yards.

The 49-yard run turned out to be the deciding score.

"I just saw everyone back up and I knew that I had to make a play," Watson said. "It was in two-minute mode and my feet are always in two-minute mode. I just saw a hole and tried to make something happen. I saw a lane where I could go and I just kept on running."

Social media was abuzz all night on the Gainesville, Georgia product's every move, including several current NFL stars. Check out reaction from throughout the memorable first start below:

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