Three years ago, Jaylen Watson was waiting for a chance to resume his football career while working at Wendy's, run by his mother in Augusta, Georgia. After eventually achieving academic eligibility, he concluded his undergraduate studies at Washington State.
Watson shined for the Chiefs on Thursday night in front of a large television audience nationwide.
The pick-six from the seventh-round draught pick, which was 99 yards long, altered the tide of the contest and gave the Chiefs a 27-24 victory over the Chargers.
The longest go-ahead, the fourth-quarter touchdown scored by a rookie in NFL history, Watson's game-changing play occurred with the Chargers at the 3-yard line and were about to break a 17-17 tie. He took the interception far away by moving in front of Gerald Everett.
As the Chiefs scored 20 points straight before Justin Herbert completed a last-second touchdown throw to Joshua Palmer, the Chargers lost a 10-point second-half lead. Although the ball remained free for a brief period, Los Angeles failed to recover the onside kick with 1:11 remaining, eliminating their chances of mounting a comeback.
After losing both correct tackle Trey Pipkins and centre Corey Linsley, who left the game with injuries to their knees in the second half, Herbert took a beating. Herbert was clearly in discomfort for the remainder of the game after being struck in the middle by Chiefs linebacker Mike Danna.
Herbert completed 33 of 48 passes for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.
Asante Samuel dropped two possible interceptions from Patrick Mahomes, who completed 24-of-35 passes for 235 yards and two scores. He threw touchdown passes to Justin Watson for 41 yards and Jerick McKinnon for 9 yards.
Harrison Butker, who was injured, was replaced by Matt Ammendola, who made field goals of 19 and 31 yards.
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