Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been named the team's starting quarterback for Sunday's season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, just days before his return to the field following an Achilles injury, Watson is facing a new legal matter.
On Wednesday, Watson appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court after being issued a speeding ticket. The Ohio State Highway Patrol accused the quarterback of driving 86 mph in a 60 mph zone on August 26. Watson pleaded not guilty to the charge, and a bench trial is scheduled for September 23.
This development comes as Watson, 30, prepares to start his first full season since the Browns acquired him in a trade from the Houston Texans four years ago. He has played in only 19 games since signing a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Watson missed the majority of the 2024 season after serving an 11-game league suspension and paying a $5 million fine related to accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. The Texans and Watson reached settlements with accusers, with neither party admitting wrongdoing.
Watson's return to play in 2023 was cut short by a season-ending shoulder injury. He is now coming back from a double Achilles tendon rupture.
During the preseason, Watson faced boos from fans, which he described as "personal" and "disrespectful." He stated after a preseason game that he would keep his feelings about the crowd's reaction internal.
"It has nothing to do about the performance," Watson said at the time. "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."