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Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane, right, tries to break up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Justin Watson during the second half Friday night at Heinz Field.
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Justin Watson's NFL homecoming a family affair and thrill for South Fayette

Don Wright/Associated Press

Justin Watson's NFL homecoming a family affair and thrill for South Fayette

Justin Watson had already checked off a couple milestone games of his NFL career. First time on the big stage, last preseason in Miami. Regular-season debut, last Sept. 30 in Chicago. But Friday night was something else entirely, a confluence of community pride, family joy and the first step in what he hopes will be a long season, all taking place in his hometown.

Watson had just four catches for 37 yards, but his latest trip to Heinz Field will be so much more memorable than that stat line for the first South Fayette High School graduate to make the NFL in more than three decades. As he enters his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Watson already has a 2019 moment that will be tough to top.

“This one was definitely different than any other games I’ve played in, preseason or regular season,” Watson said after the Steelers beat the Buccaneers, 30-28. “I didn't know there were so many ‘Watson 17’ jerseys in circulation. I even saw a couple driving to the stadium from the hotel, so it was really cool just seeing how many people were out to support.”

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Might’ve even driven up the ticket prices for one of those preseason games that are far from a hot seller. After a rookie year in which Watson played 12 games, mostly on special teams, and caught one pass for 5 yards, he faced the Steelers for the first time. They played at Tampa Bay in Week 3 last season, but Watson wasn’t active.

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So, what better time for Watson’s oldest brother, Tommy, to see Justin play in-person for the first time since high school? Tommy Watson, 30, was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He can’t speak, but his expressions said more than words ever could when Justin met with him on the sideline before the game.

“I think he was a little surprised when he saw me. Sometimes, his understanding of different things, you’re not totally sure, but then when I came up and whispered in his ear, he kind of was a little shocked and smiled, so that was really cool,” Justin Watson said. “I know he always enjoys being around family, and he loves noises, so I’m sure all the sirens and third downs and all that had him smiling up in the stands.”

Tommy was far from the only “J-Wat” fan grinning ear to ear. Watson’s other brother, Alex, and sister, Abby, also were able to attend the game along with parents Doug and Terri. With Alex living out of town and Abby in college, Justin thinks it was the first time all six had been together since Christmas 2017.

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While the Watsons took in the pregame sights and sounds from the sideline, more than 100 members of Justin’s extended family were tailgating in Gold Lot 4, where plenty more of those No. 17 jerseys were milling about. An unusually large contingent of Buccaneers fans, yes, but no surprise for one of South Fayette’s favorite sons.

“We love Justin. It’s huge pride. We follow him, we love him, he’s an ambassador for our community, he’s an ambassador for disabled kids,” said Phil Henry, one of the Watsons’ neighbors since Justin was 5. “He’s just been a great kid, a model kid, somebody you absolutely want to cheer for.”

And not just because the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Watson became the leading receiver in University of Pennsylvania history, or because he was a fifth-round draft pick last year. He also was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which goes to the National Football Foundation’s scholar-athlete of the year, and developed a lasting bond with a team captain.

Vhito DeCapria, a 7-year-old cancer survivor, was an inspiration to the Quakers when Watson played there, and the little guy made the trip to Pittsburgh with his family to see one of his favorites take the field in the NFL. Longtime South Fayette football coach Joe Rossi and his current players were there, too, courtesy of the Steelers donating 50 tickets to the program. Watson could be a sleeper pick this year in fantasy football drafts as he tries to establish himself as Tampa Bay’s No. 3 receiver, but at the very least, he’ll be a popular selection in South Fayette leagues.

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“It just shows how tight-knit the South Fayette community is, and especially the South Fayette football community,” said Watson, who played the fourth-most snaps on offense for Tampa Bay. “South Fayette’s awesome. They always took care of us in high school, traveled to all the games, and they came out and showed me some love again tonight.”

While Watson was thrilling those close to him under the lights, his own motivators were watching him work. The most special moment was getting to share it all with Tommy, one Watson won’t soon forget.

“There’s this quacking noise that I make in his ear; I’m the only one who does it, and every time, he lights up with a smile when I do it,” Watson said. “So, I did that and just said, ‘Hey, I love you, man. Thanks for coming.’ ”

Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.

First Published: August 14, 2019, 10:45 a.m.

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Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane, right, tries to break up a pass intended for Buccaneers wide receiver Justin Watson during the second half Friday night at Heinz Field.  (Don Wright/Associated Press)
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