Who are Deshaun Watson’s Parents? Meet Deann Watson and Don Richardson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s story is one of triumph over adversity, shaped by a mother’s unwavering determination and a father’s absence. The 29-year-old NFL star has built his career on the foundation laid by his mother, Deann Watson, who raised four children as a single parent while battling her own health challenges and financial hardships.

Who are Deshaun Watson’s parents?

Deann Watson stands as the cornerstone of Deshaun’s life and success. Born in Gainesville, Georgia, she became a single mother of four children when her partner, Don Richardson, left the family during Deshaun’s early childhood. Deann worked multiple jobs to provide for Deshaun and his three siblings, older brother Detrick, and younger twins Tinisha and Tyreke.

Her resilience was tested further when she was diagnosed with stage-five tongue cancer in 2011, during Deshaun’s sophomore year in high school. The diagnosis required a 12-hour surgery at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, where doctors had to surgically remove her entire tongue and reconstruct it using parts from other areas of her body. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment for six months while staying away from her children during recovery.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Deann never gave up on her family. She worked with Habitat for Humanity, volunteering over 200 hours to qualify for affordable housing assistance. In 2011, former Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, partnering with the organization, presented the Watson family with keys to a fully furnished four-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style home. According to Deshaun, this gesture “changed everyone’s lives” and provided the stability they desperately needed.

Don Richardson, Deshaun’s biological father, left the family when Deshaun and his siblings were very young and remained absent throughout their upbringing. Deshaun has publicly stated he only saw his father “maybe five times” while growing up. This absence led Deshaun to adopt his mother’s surname instead of Richardson, embracing her strength and dedication as his guiding force.

Where did Deann Watson and Don Richardson meet?

Limited information is available about how Deann Watson and Don Richardson first met or the circumstances of their early relationship. Based on available details, they were likely acquaintances in the Gainesville, Georgia area, possibly as high school friends or neighbors, though specific details about their courtship remain private.

The couple had four children together, Detrick, Deshaun, and twins Tinisha and Tyreke, before Don Richardson left the family when the children were still young. Since his departure, there has been minimal contact between Richardson and his children, with the family focusing on building their lives without his presence.

The lack of public information about their relationship suggests that both parties have chosen to keep these personal details private, particularly given the difficult circumstances surrounding Richardson’s absence from his children’s lives. 

What ethnicity are Deshaun Watson’s parents?

Deshaun Watson and his family are African-American, with deep roots in Georgia. Both Deann Watson and Don Richardson are American citizens who were born and raised in the southeastern United States. The family’s heritage reflects the rich African-American culture of the South, particularly in Georgia, where Deshaun was born and raised.

Deshaun has spoken about how his upbringing in a predominantly African-American community helped shape his character and work ethic. The family’s cultural heritage, combined with the values instilled by his mother’s determination and faith, played a crucial role in developing the resilience that would later serve him in his professional football career.

What happened between Deshaun Watson’s parents?

The relationship between Deann Watson and Don Richardson ended when Don left the family during Deshaun’s early childhood. With Richardson absent from his children’s lives, Deann had to take on both maternal and paternal roles for her four children. This abandonment compelled Deshaun to grow up quickly and shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years.

The absence of his father had a profound impact on Deshaun, who once tweeted, “My heart is cold cause I grew up without a father.” However, he also credited his mother with providing all the guidance and support he needed. “My mom was basically my mother and father, so I didn’t really pay too much attention to it,” Watson told the Houston Chronicle in 2017. “My friends had fathers. But, for me, it was just kind of, ‘Hey, my mother is the one that I’m going to rely on and I’ll always focus on.'”

Tragically, Don Richardson passed away in September 2024, just two days before the Cleveland Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite their estranged relationship, Deshaun announced his father’s death on Instagram with a simple message: “Rest in Peace, Pops.” The loss affected Watson emotionally, though he played in the game and later stated he didn’t want to use his father’s death as an excuse for the team’s poor performance. Deshaun Watson’s father’s demise affected the family, especially Deshaun, who was already having a challenging time in his career.

Deshaun Watson’s relationship with his parents

Deshaun Watson shares an incredibly close bond with his mother, Deann, whom he considers his “rock” and “hero.” Throughout his journey from high school standout to NFL quarterback, she has been his most consistent supporter and source of inspiration. When Deann was battling cancer during his high school years, Deshaun worked four jobs to help support the family while maintaining his athletic and academic commitments.

Deshaun has frequently spoken about how watching his mother overcome cancer prepared him for whatever challenges the NFL might throw his way. “You have to mature early and take full responsibility,” he explained, describing how his upbringing shaped his character.

In contrast, his relationship with his father, Don Richardson, remained distant throughout his life. The recent passing of his father in 2024 affected Deshaun emotionally, demonstrating that despite their estranged relationship, the loss of a parent carries significant weight regardless of past circumstances.

Today, Deann Watson continues to be her son’s biggest supporter, attending games and cheering from the sidelines. Their relationship stands as a testament to the power of a mother’s love and determination. Through every triumph and controversy in Deshaun’s career, Deann has remained a constant source of strength, proving that the foundation she built through years of sacrifice continues to sustain her son at the highest levels of professional sports.