During a preseason game at Huntington Bank Field on Saturday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was booed repeatedly in the second half of a 31‑7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Watson, who entered the game after starter Shedeur Sanders, said the reaction was “disrespectful” and “personal” and reminded fans of the cheers he received when he suffered a career‑threatening Achilles injury in 2024.
Boos follow a difficult home debut
Watson completed five of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception. The bench‑warmers’ appearance came after the Browns began the preseason with a different quarterback, leaving the crowd to react to the change. “It has nothing to do with the performance,” Watson told reporters. “It’s a little bit personal. I think that’s a disrespectful thing. I’m going to keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally on how I feel about that. Just move on.”
Injuries and a massive contract shape the narrative
Watson entered Cleveland four years ago in a blockbuster trade that cost the Browns three first‑round draft picks and a $230 million contract. Since then, he has dealt with a season‑ending shoulder surgery in 2023 and two ruptured Achilles tendons, the most recent occurring on Oct. 20, 2024. The former Pro Bowler has started just 19 games for the Browns, and his health has been a recurring storyline for the franchise.
Fans’ reaction to his 2024 injury still lingers
When Watson first tore his Achilles tendon in a home game against Cincinnati in 2024, some spectators cheered as he lay on the field. “Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt,” Watson said. “So what does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city and they cheer.”
Looking ahead to the regular season
Coach Todd Monken has not yet announced which quarterback will start the season opener in Jacksonville on Sept. 13. Watson expressed uncertainty about winning back fans, noting that he feels more support on the road than at home. “It’s a mental battle every day. I feel like I get more love in road games than I do home games,” he said. “If it is my spot and he (Monken) does make me the starter, maybe it’s 17 away games then.”
Watson added that he has not faced direct criticism in public settings outside the stadium, but social media amplifies the scrutiny. “When I’m in public, no one’s mentioned anything. Because this is social media, players can’t respond back. And then in the stadium, players can’t respond back. So I get it. I understand it. So it is what it is,” he said.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
