Watson says boos at preseason game were disrespectful and unrelated to performance
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson dismissed fan boos during a preseason appearance as a personal slight, emphasizing they were not linked to his play.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said the boos he received when entering the third quarter of Saturday's preseason game were a disrespectful gesture and had nothing to do with his performance. Watson, returning to a home game after tearing his Achilles in 2024, completed five of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception in a 31-7 loss to the Bills.
"I didn’t have no reaction. I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance. It’s a little bit more personal than that. It’s a disrespectful thing. I’m gonna keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally and move on," Watson told reporters.
Head coach Todd Monken responded that the team would be fine if Watson plays well and helps the Browns win, but Watson reiterated his view that the booing was unrelated to his play. He recalled that fans had cheered when he was injured previously, questioning the connection between fan reaction and performance.
"Last time I played on this field I tore my Achilles. That same fan base cheered when I got hurt. What does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city and they cheer?"
Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract after being traded to Cleveland in 2022 and has struggled in 19 starts. Coach Monken did not name a starter for the upcoming Week 1 game, and the fan response may remain lukewarm if Watson takes the field for the home opener in Week 3.