Deshaun Watson receives icy reception upon return to NFL as fans boo Cleveland Browns QB
Deshaun Watson’s return to the NFL after 700 days was a highly-anticipated one. However, the quarterback was booed by many at the NRG Stadium as he made his debut for the Cleveland Browns against his former team Houston Texans.
Watson had been suspended for 11 games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy by committing sexual assault, after being accused by more than two dozen women. But the QB did manage to get his first win with the Browns as they overcame the Texans. 27-14.
Deshaun Watson was booed A LOT last night. pic.twitter.com/uTUIHwey8d
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 13, 2022
However, it wasn’t so sure as to whether the Texans fans in the stadium were booing Watson because of his off-field issues or due to the fact that he left the team acrimoniously. There were also some Cleveland fans at the ground who were rooting for Watson on Sunday.
How did Deshaun Watson fare in his first game for the Browns?
Watson looked a bit rusty in his first game after nearly two years and threw 131 yards and completed 12 of 22 passes with one interception against the Texans. He will be eager to get his first touchdown of the season next weekend.
Nonetheless, he wasn’t too concerned by the boos from his former team supporters and addressed it after the game when he said: “They’re supposed to boo. I’m a Cleveland Brown now, and we’re on the road, so they’re supposed to boo.”
Loud boos for Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/0yj053VnXm
— Malik Wright (@Wrightreportt) December 11, 2022
The Browns are currently 3rd in the AFC North with a 5-7 record and still within the grasp of a playoff berth. However, Watson and Co will need to close out the season with a few crucial wins if they want to play in the postseason.
Cleveland will face the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers over the next few weeks to conclude their regular season.
#Browns executives were relieved that Deshaun Watson didn't face as "hostile environment" as they expected
"This is a little bit better than we were anticipating." via @ByKimberleyA
Martin also said that "Watson was booed every offensive drive, every time he touched the ball." pic.twitter.com/YJyKCx83pU
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 8, 2022
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- Deshaun Watson has settled 20 of 24 sexual misbehaviour cases filed against him
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