Deshaun Watson, playing quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, reportedly has a $5 million insurance policy that covers a career-ending injury.
Considered one of this year’s Heisman Trophy favorites, Watson told
ESPN that the insurance policy gave him “peace of mind.”
The policy covers for an injury while at Clemson, but a source told
ESPN that Watson also has another $5 million policy for an injury that causes loss of value in the NFL draft.
Clemson is paying for the premiums of the policy, as allowed by the NCAA. Typically, the prices for such policies range between $8,000 and $10,000 per $1 million in coverage.
If an insurance policy is purchased by the school, the NCAA allows up to $10 million coverage for a career-ending injury and $5 million for loss of value injury.
Watson said that Clemson’s coaching staff recommended the policies. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney confirmed, saying that he discusses insurance options with his players every year.
"We have a process in place at Clemson," remarked Swinney. "First of all, they have to qualify. Certain guys qualify for that. Every year, that's one of my checklist items -- to make sure our guys (know about it). Sometimes they don't want it, but I want to make sure they understand what's available and what their opportunities are."
Swinney noted that it is rare to collect on such policies.
"Very seldom do those things pay off," he explained. "You have a better chance to get struck by lightning than have a career-ending injury, but there is loss of value insurance as well. All of that stuff is available. We educate them. I'm big on that."
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