Allan Watson (American football)

Allan Watson (November 5, 1942 – March 1, 2024) was a Welsh gridiron football player.

Born on November 5, 1942, in Wales, Watson attended school in Blackwood, Caerphilly. He later attended the Newport College of Technology, part of the University of Wales, Newport, receiving a degree in metallurgy. He moved to the U.S. in 1967 to work for a crucible steel business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up playing association football (soccer) and tried out for the local Pittsburgh Phantoms of the short-lived National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), making the team while appearing in three matches as an inside forward.

Watson was introduced to American football by a close friend and began practicing to be a placekicker after the Phantoms folded in late 1967. He attended a kicking camp hosted by the Dallas Cowboys and run by Ben Agajanian; Watson performed well enough to be signed by the team. He only appeared in preseason for the team and later requested a release. He tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969 and received a contract, later being sent to the Ohio Valley Ironmen of the Continental Football League (CoFL). He was 7-of-20 on field goal attempts and made all 32 of his extra point attempts with the Ironmen, scoring a total of 53 points while having a long of 41 yards.

After returning to the Steelers in 1970, Watson played through preseason but was ultimately released in favor of Gene Mingo; however, after Mingo struggled late in the season, Watson was re-signed and played in the final four games. He made 5-of-10 field goal attempts and converted 7-of-8 extra point tries, scoring 22 points while his longest kick was 45 yards. He was released prior to the 1971 season in favor of Roy Gerela.

After his stint with the Steelers, Watson played from 1972 to 1974 with the Youngstown Hardhats of the Midwest Football League (MFL), setting league records with a 56-yard field goal and 90-yard punt. He joined the Chicago Fire of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974, making 4-of-7 field goal attempts including a league-record 53-yard kick. He then played for their WFL successor, the Chicago Winds, in 1975, before retiring.

Watson was married. He died on March 1, 2024, at the age of 81.