(JTA) — Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson arrived Tuesday in Israel with trainer Quincy Averyunder the auspices of America’s Voices in Israel, which organizes weeklong missions to Israel for prominent headline-makers with widespread credibility.
His visit was not announced until the day before he left to tamp down criticism by groups that would urge him not to travel to Israel. On Wednesday he visited the ancient city of Shiloh, the first home of the biblical tabernacle. The former Clemson standout is scheduled to visit Masada, Yad Vashem, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, and will meet with leaders in the tech industry. Watson will be entering his third season with the Texans, and has tied or broken at least 12 NFL records.