Former Seahawks Cornerback Orlando Watters, 54, Dies
Orlando Watters, a talented defensive back for the University of Arkansas who spent one season in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, died June 8. He was 54.
Watters played 16 games for the Seahawks in 1994, intercepting three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. He also forced a fumble and was credited with 47 tackles (41 solo).
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In three seasons at Arkansas (1991-93), Watters established himself as one of the nation’s best defensive backs and kick returners.
In 1992, Watters led the Southeastern Conference in punt returns (36) and punts returned for touchdowns (2). That year he also picked off three passes for 52 yards and one touchdown for the Razorbacks.
In 1993, Watters intercepted six passes (sixth in the nation) for 185 yards (first) and two touchdowns (first). He also saw more time on Arkansas’ kickoff return team, and returned 18 kicks for 392 yards.
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Watters was not selected in the 1994 NFL Draft, but signed a rookie contract with the Seahawks. He still managed to play in all 16 games that season, starting eight, for the 6-10 team under head coach Tom Flores.
In a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 25, 1994, Watters intercepted quarterback Neil O'Donnell and returned the ball 35 yards for a touchdown - one of three picks he had as a rookie.
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Late in the 1994 season, Watters was arrested for drunk driving and five other charges. The incident came days after a teammate, Mike Frier, was paralyzed by a car crash.
The circumstances might have hastened Watters’ exit from Seattle. He was released after the season and never played in the NFL again.
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"He was a quiet leader who led by example, and tough," Rodney Bivens, Watters’ football coach at Anniston (Ala.) High School, told EA Sports Today. "Just as tough as you can make it. He never backed down from any type of competition."
A native of Anniston, Watters was enshrined in the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 11:12 AM.