Deshaun Watson Addresses Browns Fans Ahead of First Home Game Since Booing Incident
Quarterback expresses readiness for fan support and energy as the team prepares for its home opener.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson stated he is "ready for support" from the team's fans ahead of their home opener on Sunday. This comes weeks after he was heavily booed by the same fanbase during a preseason game.
Watson is set to face the Carolina Panthers at Huntington Bank Field, marking his first home game since the incident. The Browns are coming off a 1-1 start to the season after a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watson led the team to the win over the Buccaneers, throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
"The biggest thing, I don't [ever] try to go at war with the fans," Watson said Wednesday. "So, I think the biggest thing is [I'm] just ready for support, ready to feel their energy, ready to get this big [win] for the city of Cleveland and continue this great feeling that we have this week."
Browns fans have expressed frustration with Watson, who joined the team four years ago in a blockbuster trade from Houston. He has played in only 21 games since then, serving an 11-game NFL suspension and suffering a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024. The team acquired him via a trade that cost them three first-round draft picks and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
During the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Watson was roundly booed by fans after completing just five of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception. Following that game, Watson commented on the boos, suggesting they were personal and disrespectful.
"Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt," Watson said after the Bills game. "So what does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city and they cheer."
Head coach Todd Monken expressed support for Watson following the win against the Buccaneers. "I'm so happy for him," Monken said. "Good for him. Good for 22 months working his (tail) off to get to where he's at. I'm gonna leave it at that."