Watson calls fan booing 'personal' and 'disrespectful' after preseason appearance
Watson called fan booing disrespectful and personal during preseason appearance.
Event / Sports
Cleveland Browns QB Competition
Deshaun Watson faces fan hostility during preseason as coach evaluates him against Shedeur Sanders for the season opener.
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2026-08-24 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Aug, 01:05 UTC
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What happened
Deshaun Watson's record and performance with Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson has started 19 games for the Cleveland Browns since being acquired from Houston in 2022, posting a 9-10 record with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and an 80.7 passer rating. Watson missed the entire 2025 season recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon sustained on October 20, 2024. In 2022, he missed the first 11 games due to suspension for alleged sexual misconduct.
Shedeur Sanders named backup quarterback after strong preseason performance
Shedeur Sanders will serve as backup quarterback after winning the competition to start was lost to Deshaun Watson. Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the preseason game against Buffalo, and went 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception against Chicago. Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie 2025 season with a 3-4 record.
Deshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns starting quarterback for 2026 season opener
Deshaun Watson was named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for their Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, 2026. Watson, a 10-year veteran, won the competition over rookie Shedeur Sanders after both players split first-unit reps throughout the offseason, training camp, and preseason.
Watson describes fan reaction as 'personal' and 'disrespectful'
After being booed by Browns fans during the preseason game against Buffalo, Deshaun Watson said the booing was 'personal' and showed 'disrespect.' Watson stated he had worked to recover from two Achilles injuries, contributed to the community through charity work, and tried to support the Browns organization, expressing disappointment that these efforts had not improved fan perception.
Cleveland Browns signed Watson to fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract
The Cleveland Browns signed Deshaun Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract following his acquisition from the Houston Texans in 2022. The contract includes void years and would result in $40.959 million in dead cap in 2026 and $86.206 million in 2027 if Watson were released.
Watson booed by Cleveland Browns fans during preseason game
Deshaun Watson was booed by Cleveland Browns fans during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 23, 2026, marking his first appearance at home in 22 months following recovery from Achilles injuries. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and one interception in the game.
Cleveland Browns traded multiple first-round picks to acquire Watson
The Cleveland Browns sent three first-round draft picks to the Houston Texans in 2022 to acquire Deshaun Watson. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam later described the trade as a 'big swing and miss' during 2025 owners meetings.
Cleveland Browns preseason game ends in 31-7 loss to Buffalo Bills
The Cleveland Browns lost 31-7 to the Buffalo Bills in a preseason game on Saturday night at Huntington Bank Field.
Shedeur Sanders defends teammate Deshaun Watson against booing
Shedeur Sanders, competing with Watson for the starting position, defended his teammate after the booing, saying he did not appreciate the treatment and emphasizing that all players are human beings deserving of respect.
Deshaun Watson completes 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards with one interception in preseason appearance
Deshaun Watson entered the game in the second half as part of quarterback competition and completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw one interception.
Browns fans booed Deshaun Watson during preseason game
Cleveland Browns fans booed quarterback Deshaun Watson repeatedly during the second half of Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo.
Shedeur Sanders started for Browns in preseason game
Shedeur Sanders started for the Cleveland Browns in the preseason game against Buffalo, playing the first half before Watson entered in the second half. Sanders and Watson are competing for the starting quarterback position.
Deshaun Watson suffered season-ending shoulder injury in 2023
Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 and required surgery, limiting his ability to play.
Watson appeared in seven games for Browns in 2024
In 2024, Watson appeared in seven games for the Browns, completing 63.4 percent of pass attempts for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had 31 carries for 148 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Deshaun Watson served 11-game NFL suspension in 2022 season
Watson served an 11-game league suspension in his first season with the Browns after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. He paid a 5 million dollar fine and completed a treatment program.
Browns have not decided starting quarterback for season opener
Coach Todd Monken has not yet decided which quarterback will start the Browns' season opener against Jacksonville on September 13.
Coach Todd Monken says good performance can change fan sentiment
Coach Todd Monken stated that winning and playing good football would change fan sentiment, suggesting that Watson could win back fans through performance on the field.
Deshaun Watson calls booing from fans disrespectful and personal
After the game, Watson responded to the booing by saying it was disrespectful and personal, stating it had nothing to do with his performance and that he would keep his feelings internal.
Deshaun Watson tore Achilles tendon on October 20, 2024
Watson tore his Achilles tendon in a home game against Cincinnati on October 20, 2024. Fans cheered when he sustained the injury. He later re-tore the same tendon during rehabilitation.
Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland Browns
Since being acquired by the Browns, Watson has started only 19 games due to injuries and suspension.
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2 alternative perspectives
Watson named starter for 2026 opener after investment decision
Watson named Browns starter for 2026 opener; Sanders named backup.
Watson faces fan hostility amid Browns QB competition uncertainty
Watson faced fan booing in preseason amid ongoing Browns QB competition and injury setbacks.