Watson seeks Browns fans' support in home opener after preseason boos
The QB says he's "ready for support" in Sunday's home game, his first since drawing loud boos in August.
What to know
- Watson returns to Cleveland for the home opener Sunday against Carolina following a strong Week 2 performance that earned the Browns an upset road win over Tampa Bay.
- The QB's relationship with Browns fans remains fractured after he was booed during a preseason game in August, when he called the reaction "personal" and "disrespectful."
- Watson has played just 21 games since the Browns invested three first-round picks and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, with his QBR ranking 49th among 51 qualified starters.
Watson's past struggles and poor contract value make fan support unlikely regardless of recent performance.
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“I think I have a better chance with Josh Allen's wife than Deshaun getting support from anybody.”
Guilty-Cow4325 · Reddit ↗
“The biggest thing, I don't [ever] try to go at war with the fans. So, I think the biggest thing is [I'm] just ready for support, ready to feel their energy, ready to get this big [win] for the city of Cleveland and continue this great feeling that we have this week.”
Deshaun Watson, Browns QB · ESPN ↗ · Sep 22
Deshaun Watson Browns QBTodd Monken Browns coach
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Watson says he's "ready for support" ahead of home opener
At a Wednesday press conference, Watson addressed his relationship with Browns fans, saying he doesn't try to "go to war with the fans" and is ready to feel the crowd's energy in Sunday's game against Carolina.
“I don't ever try to go to war with the fans. Ready for support, ready to feel their energy, ready to get this big [win] for the city of Cleveland.”
— Deshaun Watson -
first by Yahoo Sports, 12h ago · also Sporting News, The Oregonian, MassLive, PennLive, Sports Illustrated, Newsday
7 more headlines
- Deshaun Watson 'ready to feel their energy' from Browns fans in home opener Yahoo Sports · 11h ago
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- Deshaun Watson Describes What He Wants From Browns Fans in Home Opener Sports Illustrated · 7h ago
- Deshaun Watson braces for Browns fans' reaction going into home opener against Carolina Yahoo Sports · 5h ago
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3 outlets first by Cleveland.com, 11h ago · also ESPN NFL, ESPN · read ↗
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I think I have a better chance with Josh Allen's wife than Deshaun getting support from anybody.
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background
Coach Monken expresses confidence in Watson's improvement — Browns coach Todd Monken said he expects Watson to keep building confidence and improve, viewing him as a young player still learning the system despite his age and contract history.
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background
Watson leads Browns to upset road win over Buccaneers in Week 2 — In his second game back from injury, Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score, in Cleveland's victory in Tampa.
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Watson booed by Browns fans in preseason home game — Playing against the Buffalo Bills in his first home appearance since tearing his Achilles in October 2024, Watson struggled in the second half and drew loud boos from the Cleveland crowd.