Deshaun Watson Addresses Comments After Booing Incident

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson addressed his earlier comments about playing “17 away games,” which he made after the team’s fans booed him during a preseason game. Watson began a press conference by explaining his emotions and interactions with fans.

First off, I want to address the comments from Saturday after the game,” Watson said. “I think just human nature and myself being very emotional, putting a lot of time these last two years to get back… I thought I was going to get a little different response.”

Watson emphasized that his comments were not intended to target the fans, acknowledging the support he received from many fans in the city. He noted that his feelings were partly due to the investment the organization put into bringing him back in 2022—an effort that has faced challenges such as injuries and time off.

Watson also shared his frustrations, acknowledging that the direction he and the team hoped to take has been affected by injuries and other issues. Despite the absence of a formal apology, he aimed to clarify his previous statements, acknowledging the personal impact of fan reactions.

Watson came to Cleveland with a controversial background, including lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct from multiple massage therapists in Houston. He was suspended for 11 games following civil settlements related to those claims. In addition, Watson faced a series of injuries, including shoulder issues and Achilles tendon tears, affecting his playtime significantly.

These circumstances surrounding Watson, coupled with the high cost of acquiring him—six draft picks, including three first-rounders, alongside a $230 million guaranteed contract—contributed to the passionate reactions from fans.

In his attempt to move forward, Watson expressed a desire to focus on football, aiming to deliver the best performance for fans, the organization, and the city. He believes that success involves harnessing the energy from fans and the community to bring wins and recognition to Cleveland.

WATCH ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO

Armando Salguero reports for OutKick as a Senior NFL Writer.