J.C. Watts, Jr., graduated from Eufaula High School in 1976 and from the University of Okalahoma in 1981 with a B.A. in journalism. While at the University of Oklahoma, Watts was quarterback for the Sooners, leading them to two consecutive Big Eight Championships and Orange Bowl victories. He was voted Most Valuable Player in the 1980 and 1981 Orange Bowls. From 1981 to 1986, he started for Ottawa and Toronto in the Canadian Football League. During his rookie season, he was voted Most Valuable Player of the Grey Cup and CFL’s Super Bowl.
Watts’ leadership in professional football was quickly transformed into leadership in public service. After returning to Oklahoma, Watts served as a youth minister at Sunnylane Baptist Church in Del City, Oklahoma from January 1987 until December 1994 and later became associate pastor. In 1990, he was elected to the Oklahoma State Corporation Commission and later became chairman. Watts was elected to the U.S. Congress from the fourth district of Oklahoma in 1994. In 1998, he was elected by Republican members to serve as Chairman of the Republican Conference, making Watts the fourth-ranking leader of the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was re-elected to this leadership position, unopposed, in 2000.
As a member of Congress, Watts led two congressional trade missions to Africa and co-authored the American Community Renewal and New Markets Act, which President Clinton signed into law in 2000. He also authored President George W. Bush’s faith based initiative, the Community Solutions Act of 2001. In addition, Watts worked across party lines with Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) to establish a Smithsonian Museum of African American History.
After leaving office, Watts launched J.C. Watts Companies. His firm provides strategic focus and program leadership to clients that implement business development, communications and public affairs strategies. “My daddy was an entrepreneur. I am an entrepreneur”, Watts said. “I believe in the American Dream. My company will focus on solving problems and creating opportunities, particularly for people and entrepreneurs in underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world.”
