National Football League

Clemson QB Watson turns down Senior Bowl invite

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:59 p.m. ET

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has turned down the chance to play in the Senior Bowl later this month.

Watson's representatives cited the long season and his continued training for the NFL draft as reasons he won't play in the Jan. 28 game in Mobile, Alabama. Watson is a junior giving up his final college season, but has graduated, making him eligible for the game.

The Senior Bowl would've given NFL personnel the chance to see the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Watson up close. That includes the Cleveland Browns, holders of the No. 1 pick in next spring's draft, whose staff will coach in the bowl.

Watson led the Tigers to a national championship with a 35-31 victory over Alabama. He threw for 4,593 yards, 41 TDs and 17 interceptions this season.