Deshaun Watson called the Cleveland Browns fans’ reaction “disrespectful” after being booed during Cleveland’s 31-7 NFL preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Watson entered after halftime and struggled, completing 5-of-12 passes for 36 yards and one interception. It was his first game at Huntington Bank Field since he tore his Achilles in October 2024 and re-ruptured the same Achilles tendon in January 2025.
MORE: Shedeur Sanders calls out Browns fans for booing Deshaun Watson
Watson thinks that the boos went beyond his performance against Buffalo. “I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance,” Watson said. “It’s a little bit more personal than that. So, I think it’s a disrespectful thing.”
He also recalled the reaction when he suffered his Achilles injury.
“Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles,” Watson said. “That same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt. So what does that have to do about performance, when a person gets hurt, especially if they’re in the city and they cheer?”
Watson said he plans to keep his feelings private and move forward. “I’m gonna keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally with how I feel about that and move on,” he said.
The response reflects a difficult relationship between Watson and Cleveland supporters. His $230 million contract, injuries and limited production have kept him under intense scrutiny since the Browns acquired him.
Deshaun Watson’s performance adds pressure to Browns’ decision
Cleveland needs Todd Monken to evaluate quarterbacks based on execution, consistency and fit within the offense. Watson performed well in preseason Week 1. However, he did not help himself Saturday.
Watson struggled to create rhythm, while rookie Shedeur Sanders completed 9-of-11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Sanders also threw an interception, but his command looked stronger during his extended opportunity.
Monken has not named his starter for the season opener. The coach now faces a decision involving performance, experience and how each quarterback fits Cleveland’s offensive structure. Still, Sanders’ performance has left him impressed, about which he said, “He plays with a certain amount of confidence. He has gotten a lot better at getting rid of the ball. Certainly, he wants to make a play. I thought he did a lot of good things.”
MORE: Shedeur Sanders makes case for QB1 job vs Bills as Browns near decision
Meanwhile, the growing tension between Watson and Cleveland fans is a point of concern for the Browns. Since he will take either the QB1 job or handle the QB2 responsibilities, the connection with the fans is a must.
Watson must answer the criticism through his play to build a stronger case. The Browns need results, not a quarterback controversy dominating their season.
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