Signs criticizing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson were placed on the statue of Hall of Famer Jim Brown outside Huntington Bank Stadium following the announcement that Watson would be the team's starting quarterback. The protest reflects ongoing anger from some fans regarding Watson's past allegations and his substantial contract with the team.
One sign featured the text: "$280,000,000 27+ Victims Zero Supporters." Another stated, "Permanent Damage To The City & Franchise." A third sign directly addressed team owners, reading, "Cleveland is done with the Haslams and their freak Watson."
The decision to name Watson the starter comes as he is set to make his first regular-season appearance in 22 months, following an Achilles tendon injury. The announcement reportedly irritated a fanbase that had previously booed Watson during a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Some fans were seen booing him during the team's 31-7 loss to the Bills at Huntington Bank Field on August 22, 2026.
Following the protests, individuals associated with the Cleveland Browns removed the signs from the Jim Brown statue.
Watson addressed his previous emotional response to fans, stating, "Just myself getting very emotional. Putting a lot of time in these last two years to get back, spend time at this facility and in the city, meeting a lot of different people in the community. I thought I was going to get a little different response, but I think my emotions got the best of me." He added that his comments were not intended to target fans who have supported him, acknowledging the team's investment and the "frustration" of not achieving desired results due to injuries and other factors.