Green Bay – Christian Watson would have spent a full offseason in the offseason because of how his 2024 campaign was chosen.
But it was never his style.
Watson tore his ACL in the Packers' regular season finals and Watson cheered up and set out immediately for a comeback.
At any time, Watson may regret his situation, he will return the fourth-grade recipient to the scene as soon as possible.
“It's definitely hard. Whenever you get hurt, it's definitely going to cause you a huge loss,” Watson said after practice on Wednesday.
“But I've experienced a lot of adversity. There's no such adversity, but I feel a little cool, I have the right mindset and it's been all the way.”
Maybe this mentality is why Watson looks this OK this soon. Although there is no timetable for Watson's return to action, head coach Matt Lafleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst appreciate Watson's recovery.
Nitschke Field fans have embraced some of these since training camp began last month, as a 6-foot-4-foot, 208-pound receiver can often be seen during practice.
As of Tuesday, Watson's right knee has been around the right knee against Chicago in the midfield for seven months. He never tore his ACL apart before, but immediately knew what was wrong.
“Unfortunately, when you feel your body, you know your body,” Watson said.
It was a tough blow for Watson. Watson rebounded from a hamstring injury that hindered him in 2023, having received 29 catches for 620 yards (20.9 yards per game) in the first 15 games last year.
Watson had a reconstructed knee surgery a few weeks after the Packers lost Philadelphia, before returning to Florida for a full recovery.
While working out, Watson made a connection with experienced receiver Stefon Diggs, who tore his ACL apart last October. Four-time Pro Bowler provides a lot of insight into the process, helping Watson start his own competition.
Watson also met familiar Florida faces – Jayden Reed of the Packers, whose teammates were impressed with the reaction after the ACL injury.
“He's in a great spirit,” Reed said. “He always smiles on his face and I really praise him because it's not easy to just watch it every day. I know how that feels. He's doing a great job, being a great leader, guiding us whenever we need it, he's just great. He's great. I'm excited for his return.”
Watson stayed on the team throughout the offseason program, providing valuable resources for a receiving legion full of young players.
The Packers not only returned Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks to the top of the depth chart, but also solicited two other prospects in April: Matthew Golden of Texas in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round.
As the game heats up in that room, it’s just his own recovery and exercise that further inspired Watson.
“It's easier to really pursue it when you let other people follow it, too,” Watson said. “They definitely have the right mindset and once they come in, we're all there to see it, they're doing drama.”
The Packers’ challenge has been to balance Watson’s resilience with his injury scale. With cautious optimism, the team continued to practice patience and Watson followed the plan completely.
In some areas, the 26-year-old receiver feels 100% again. He has no limit on running and is confident in his cuts, but admits he hasn't given his all.
Watson said without hesitation that he is still the fastest player in the Packers uniform, and he is looking forward to showing this once No. 9 is back in the driving range.
“There is no doubt,” Watson said when asked if he is still the fastest player on the team. “I’ve been saying to everyone who has something to say.
There is no “disaster” in Watson's throat. He didn't distract him from last season's disappointment.
In order to return to the venue, he insisted on a strict “one day” mentality, and looked forward to the training staff's plans for him every day. When the green light comes, Watson is eager to show him that he still has a lot to pay for the football world.
“It's just life,” Watson said. “I know, I might have to deal with situations that are more than playing at the highest level and have to deal with something that happens to be part of the game.
“It's a tough sport, physically a lot, but I'm just grateful for where I'm and no matter what the situation is, I appreciate it. I always rely on that and embrace God's plan.”