Deshaun Watson made it clear what he thinks of Cleveland Browns fans after he was consistently booed throughout Saturday’s home preseason game.
Watson was asked about the hostile reception he received from Browns fans during the 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He felt that the boos were not related to performance anymore, but had turned personal.
“I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do with the performance. It’s a little bit personal. I think that’s a disrespectful thing,” Watson said.
When asked if he thought improved performances would change the reaction, Watson cited the incident in 2024 when Browns fans cheered after he tore his Achilles.
“Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fanbase cheered when I got hurt. What does that have to do with anything about performance?” Watson added.
Some #Browns fans unloaded on Deshaun Watson with boos Saturday in the 31-7 loss to the #Bills. After the game, Watson unloaded on them. pic.twitter.com/y8TYknqZSh
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) August 22, 2026
The Browns traded for Watson in 2022 and immediately handed him a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the team. He has gone just 9-10 as a starter, been frequently hurt, and has not been particularly effective even when healthy. All those factors combine to make Watson a detested figure in Cleveland, and the contract essentially ensures that he is stuck there until it expires at the end of the upcoming season.
Watson played poorly again on Saturday, and certainly did not help his own cause. Regardless, the relationship between the quarterback and the team’s fans appears to be unsalvageable at this point.
