Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson expressed frustration over being booed by the team’s own fans during a preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday. The incident occurred during the second half of the 31-7 loss and prompted Watson to characterize the fan reaction as disrespectful and having personal undertones rather than being performance-based.
Watson’s tenure with the Browns has been marked by significant controversy and disappointment. In 2022, the team acquired him from the Houston Texans using three first-round picks and signed him to a $230m fully guaranteed contract. However, his time in Cleveland has been hindered by injuries and suspension, preventing him from completing a full season. He threw an interception and completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards in Saturday’s game while splitting snaps with Shedeur Sanders, with whom he is competing for the starting position. Head coach Todd Monken has not yet determined who will start the season opener in Jacksonville on 13 September.
Watson’s relationship with Cleveland fans remains strained. Saturday marked his first home game since tearing his achilles tendon in October 2024, when some fans cheered the injury. Watson referenced this history in discussing the boos, questioning what fan sentiment has to do with performance when a player is injured. He noted difficulty building support at home while feeling he receives more positive receptions during road games.
Since his arrival with the Browns, Watson has compiled 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across four seasons while battling various setbacks. The team won just one postseason game during that period despite maintaining one of the league’s stronger defensive units. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam characterized the Watson acquisition as a “big swing and miss” last year. Watson indicated he was uncertain whether he could win back the fanbase, noting the challenge of responding to criticism while suggesting the possibility of focusing on away games.
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