Watson calls Browns fans' boos disrespectful after preseason loss
Quarterback Deshaun Watson said the booing he received from Cleveland fans during a preseason defeat was disrespectful and personal, and he questioned whether he can regain fan support.
Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson said the boos he heard from some fans during Saturday's preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills were "disrespectful" and "personal." The Browns fell 31-7, and Watson, who entered the game off the bench, completed five of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception. He was booed repeatedly in the second half, a reaction he attributed to the crowd rather than his performance.
Watson, returning from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in October 2024, recalled that fans had cheered when he was injured previously.
"Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt," he said. He added that the boos felt personal and that he would keep his feelings private.
The quarterback is competing with rookie Shedeur Sanders for the starting role, a decision that head coach Todd Monken has not yet made ahead of the season opener on Sept. 13. Sanders said he does not appreciate the booing directed at a teammate, emphasizing respect among players.
Monken acknowledged the difficulty of being booed but said the focus should be on playing good football to win back fan support.
"Win, play good football, and everybody will be fine," he said.