Dekoda Watson

Dekoda Watson was born on March 3, 1988 in Aiken, South Carolina. He graduated from South Aiken High School in 2006 where he earned All-State honors as a senior and was named Defensive MVP in the 2005 North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl. After high school, Dekoda went to Florida State University to play for the Seminoles, and he earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League in 2010 and signed a four year contract. He later went on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos, and is currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

In his spare time, Dekoda enjoys spending quality time with his parents- Gregory & Angela Watson, his wife Cristina and son Chase, his sisters Amber & Tamber, and his nephew Skylar. He also takes a special interest in hunting and fishing. Dekoda has strong ties to his hometown. He views football not as his true calling but as a stepping-stone that allows him to give back to others and make a difference in the lives of a younger generation. As a successful athlete, he strives to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his career.

Dekoda created Koda’s Kids Foundation to provide opportunities for success for underprivileged youth. The organization encourages youth to set goals and reach them while putting an emphasis on health and education. The organization stresses the importance of character, positive life skills, discipline, and self-respect. A phrase that Dekoda lives by is, “Sacrifice today for what you want tomorrow.”