The Cleveland Browns are learning the hard way that fans aren’t interested in changing their opinion of Deshaun Watson.
After completing just 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception in Cleveland’s second preseason game, Watson went on a rant about Browns fans booing him. He said the rift between him and the fan base has become personal. Once he was named the starter for Week 1, he issued an apology to the fans.
“I thought I was going to get a little different response, but I think my emotions got the best of me. My comments wasn’t intending to go at any of the fans around in the city, because there’s been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me. And I know the frustration. This organization has put a lot of investment in coming to get me back in ’22, and things haven’t been going the right direction that we thought it was. A lot of injuries, a lot of time off, and not putting the best football and my foot forward,” Watson told reporters.
“I understand the frustration. I understand everything that kind of goes into that. And moving forward, I just want to focus on football, making sure that I’m putting the best product out there, having the best ability, because I thrive off the energy. I thrive off the energy of the fans. I thrive off the energy of the community. I thrive off all that stuff.”
Despite all the controversy surrounding Watson and the Browns’ fan base, he posed for photos with a few supporters on Thursday night.
Watson took selfies and signed autographs with fans sitting in the lower bowl at Huntington Bank Field. Judging by the comments online, NFL fans are convinced this moment was staged by the Browns.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images.
“We will upgrade your tickets to the lower bowl if you are willing to do something for us,” one fan commented.
“DW propaganda to make it look like fans like him? Shame. We all know his disgusting behavior and we should not be promoting this guy in any capacity,” a second fan wrote.
“I would never let my children around this guy. What kind of parents would allow this?? Disgusting,” another fan declared.
“This looks so staged,” a fan said.
Will Deshaun Watson be the long-term starter?
According to former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, the front office in Cleveland wants head coach Todd Monken to start Watson due to his salary. The franchise signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022.
“Sources tell me Deshaun Watson WAS NOT Todd Monken’s choice as the starter and many in the building thought Shedeur Sanders was the right move for the team on and off the field after Watson attacked the fans,” Griffin said. “Browns want Deshaun to play for his pay. The fans deserve better.”
The Browns have said that Watson’s job status won’t be week-to-week. That being said, it could be a while before they make a change under center.
