Cleveland Browns confirm Watson as season-opening starter amid fan protests

Cleveland Browns confirm Watson as season-opening starter amid fan protests

Sports

The Cleveland Browns announced Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for their season opener on August 28, 2026, reaffirming a decision first revealed on August 25, 2026; the team said the choice was based on his practice performance despite past legal controversies and fan criticism, Andscape reported. Fans defaced the Jim Brown statue outside the Browns' stadium with anti-Watson signs, CBS Sports reported.

AP News said additional protest signs were taped to the statue. The New York Post noted the statue was covered with signs after the starter announcement.

Actors

Cleveland Browns fans Jim Brown Deshaun Watson Todd Monken Jimmy Haslam Dee Haslam Cleveland Browns

Locations

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Articles

August 28, 2026
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Cleveland Browns name Deshaun Watson starting quarterback for season opener
Cleveland Browns name Deshaun Watson starting quarterback for season opener

Andscape • 28 Aug 17:02

The Browns announced Deshaun Watson as their starter for the opening game, a decision based on his performance in practice despite his past legal controversies and fan criticism.

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August 27, 2026
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Cleveland fans plaster Jim Brown statue with anti-Watson signs after starter announcement
Cleveland fans plaster Jim Brown statue with anti-Watson signs after starter announcement

New York Post • 27 Aug 01:55

Fans of the Cleveland Browns covered a statue of Hall of Famer Jim Brown with protest signs targeting quarterback Deshaun Watson after he was named the team's starter.

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August 26, 2026
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Signs attached to Jim Brown statue protest Deshaun Watson's presence on Browns roster
Signs attached to Jim Brown statue protest Deshaun Watson's presence on Browns roster

ESPN • 26 Aug 21:37

Activists placed signs on the Jim Brown statue outside the Cleveland Browns' stadium to criticize the team for retaining quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose past includes a suspension and allegations of sexual misconduct.

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Signs condemning Deshaun Watson taped to Jim Brown statue outside Browns stadium
Signs condemning Deshaun Watson taped to Jim Brown statue outside Browns stadium

AP News • 26 Aug 21:31

Fans attached protest signs to the Jim Brown statue at Cleveland Browns' stadium, criticizing the team's decision to keep quarterback Deshaun Watson on the roster amid ongoing controversy.

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Cleveland Browns fans vandalize Jim Brown statue amid protests over starting quarterback selection
Cleveland Browns fans vandalize Jim Brown statue amid protests over starting quarterback selection

CBS Sports • 26 Aug 16:01

Fans of the Cleveland Browns defaced a statue of former player Jim Brown after the team announced Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback, reflecting ongoing frustration with the franchise's performance.

Credibility 68% Manip. 32% Center

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