Cleveland fans plaster Jim Brown statue with anti-Watson signs after starter announcement

Fans of the Cleveland Browns covered the Jim Brown statue outside Huntington Bank Stadium with protest signs after head coach Todd Monken announced Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback. The signs referenced the more than two dozen allegations of sexual assault and misconduct made against Watson during his tenure with the Houston Texans, and criticized the team's ownership, Jimmy and Dee Haslam. One sign displayed the figure "$280,000,000 27+ Victims Zero Supporters," while another read "Permanent Damage To The City & Franchise."

Watson, who is making his first regular-season appearance in 22 months following a ruptured Achilles tendon, had previously been booed by Browns supporters during a preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. After the starter announcement, he told reporters he had become "very emotional" and apologized for any remarks that might have seemed directed at fans, emphasizing his appreciation for the community and acknowledging the team's recent challenges.

"Just myself getting very emotional," Watson said. "I thought I was going to get a little different response, but I think my emotions got the best of me. My comments wasn’t intending to go at any of the fans around in the city because there has been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me."

The protest reflects ongoing tension among Browns supporters regarding the quarterback's off-field controversies and the franchise's decision to retain him.