Former Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts up for award

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish alum Xavier Watts is a finalist for Associated Press defensive rookie of the year.

Watts, who is now with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, is one of two Falcons up for the award. James Pierce Jr. is the other.

Watts, a safety, had five interceptions, 11 passes defended, one fumble recovery and 96 tackles -- 59 solo -- in his rookie season. He played in all 17 games.

In his Notre Dame career, Watts had 13 interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, 18 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and 188 tackles -- 117 solo. He played in 55 games for the Fighting Irish. He was an All-American twice.


Our rooks are different @JamesPearceJr10 and @xavierwatts6 are AP Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists! pic.twitter.com/JckVuWMcav

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 22, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Former Notre Dame S Xavier Watts up for award with Atlanta Falcons

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