Updated Jan. 22, 2026, 3:09 p.m. ET

Former Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts is up for AP Rookie Player of the Year.

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.

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