Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s comeback campaign has been interrupted by a hefty fine.
Watson was fined $14,926 by the NFL for an illegal celebration during the team’s Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While nothing was obvious on the television broadcast, Watson supposedly took part in a smoking celebration after a touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins, who was also fined.
The NFL fined Browns QB Deshaun Watson $14,926 and RB Quinshon Judkins $14,397 for unsportsmanlike conduct (illegal celebrations and vulgar acts). Nothing was obvious on the TV broadcast, but source said it was a "smoking" gesture after Judkins’ TD last week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2026
The NFL even frowns on beer chugging celebrations, so it is not a huge shock that they would object to smoking, either. Watson, who makes an average of $46 million annually, will certainly be able to absorb it.
Watson has thrown for six touchdowns against two interceptions this season for the 3-1 Browns. He has even started to win over some Browns fans, which seemed like an impossible task just a few weeks ago.
