Watson claims Cleveland boos are personal, not performance-based

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has described the boos he received during his first home game since a right Achilles tendon injury as "disrespectful" and "personal," arguing the reaction was not linked to his on-field performance. Watson completed five of 12 passes for 35 yards and one interception in a 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field.

The quarterback took the field for four second-half drives in a game where the stadium was only half full. Watson stated that the "whole world knows" the boos had nothing to do with his play, suggesting the sentiment was more personal. He noted that he would keep his feelings internal with his family before moving on.

Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been defined by a high-profile trade and subsequent struggles. In March 2022, the Browns traded three first-round picks to the Houston Texans for Watson, securing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. This move followed allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct by more than two dozen women; although Texas grand juries declined to pursue criminal charges, Watson served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine.

Since joining Cleveland, Watson has failed to recapture his Pro Bowl form, posting a 33.1 Total QBR that would rank last if he had enough starts to qualify. Injuries have further limited his availability, including shoulder surgery in 2023 and a right Achilles tendon tear in October 2024 that sidelined him for the remainder of that season and all of 2025.

Watson referenced a previous incident where fans cheered when he tore his Achilles tendon, questioning the logic of the crowd's reaction to his injury versus his play. He remarked that he feels he receives more love on the road than at home, suggesting he might prefer the 17 away games if he secures the starting role.

Coach Todd Monken acknowledged the boos "suck" but told Watson that playing good football is the solution. Monken added that he expects to name a starting quarterback early next week, as Watson continues to compete with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the position.