Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson shared an emotional celebration with his wife, singer Jilly Anais, and other friends and family members after the team secured a 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The couple, married in July, exchanged hugs and kisses on the field at Raymond James Stadium following Watson's late-game heroics.
"You deserve it baby!" Anais said, according to a video shared by Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot. She also posted on Instagram, "Going home with the winner!! 4’s up!"
The Browns' win was secured in the final possessions of the game, with Watson leading two crucial touchdown drives. He connected with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a 21-yard gain and later threw a game-winning 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Blake Whiteheart. Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards, with no turnovers and a passer rating of 121.9.
"I’m just happy we got the win," Watson stated after the game. "I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I’ll leave the journey in God’s hands and let the outcome be the outcome."
This victory followed a challenging Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where Watson went 16-for-22 for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 34-10 defeat. The performance had led to fan calls for backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders to take over.
Head coach Todd Monken expressed his support for Watson, saying, "I’m so happy for him. Good for him. Good for 22 months working his (tail) off to get to where he’s at."
Watson had been sidelined from playing since 2024 due to a twice-torn Achilles tendon. He has been working to regain the support of the Cleveland fanbase, having faced boos during the preseason and publicly apologizing after calling the fan reaction "disrespectful" and "personal."
The Browns are scheduled to host the Carolina Panthers at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday, September 27.