Deshaun Watson Walks Back Comments After Boos
CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson, after being officially named the Browns' starting quarterback for Week 1, apologized on Monday for remarks he made Saturday when fans booed him during a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Watson, speaking at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, said his postgame comment that the fans' reaction was "disrespectful" came from a place of emotion after spending two years working to return from injury. He acknowledged that his words were not intended to target the city's supporters.
"My emotions got the best of me," Watson said, according to a transcript provided by the Browns' media relations department. "My comments weren’t intended to go at any of the fans around the city, because there’s been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me."
The booing occurred when Watson entered the third quarter of Cleveland's 31-7 preseason loss to the Bills. The reaction continued after his first pass fell incomplete and again following a three-and-out on his second drive.
Watson acknowledged the frustration of the fan base, noting the organization's significant investment in acquiring him in 2022 and the injuries that have derailed his time in Cleveland. He emphasized that he understands the disappointment and is focused on moving forward.
"I thrive off the energy of the fans, I thrive off the energy of the community," Watson said. "Looking back at my history at Clemson and previously at the Houston organization, I was a big community guy, a big city guy, a big fan guy during the game."
He added: "Again, my emotions got the best of me. I’m human, I take full responsibility of that. Moving forward, I want to make sure I put the best product out there for the team, for the organization, and for the city, so we can put a lot of wins and celebrate and put Cleveland on the map."
Named Starter and Upcoming Schedule
Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson as the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13. The team will also face the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27.
Monken, in comments reported by multiple outlets, praised quarterback Shedeur Sanders, saying he has "come a long ways" but emphasized that the decision on the backup role is "not a week-to-week decision."
Watson, who missed the 2025 season due to a torn Achilles, said he feels ready for the upcoming campaign. He also addressed his chemistry with teammates and his approach to the season.
"I’m just focusing on football," Watson said. "I know the frustration this organization has put a lot of investment into getting me back in ’22, and things haven’t been going the right direction that we thought it would."
He added: "I understand the frustration, I understand everything that goes into that. Moving forward, I just want to focus on football, making sure that I’m putting the best product out there."