Deshaun Watson calls booing by Browns fans 'disrespectful' after 31-7 preseason loss

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said the boos he heard from Cleveland fans during Saturday’s home preseason 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills were "disrespectful" and "personal."

Watson’s relationship with the Cleveland fanbase has been strained by a mix of injuries, off-field controversy and his contract terms. The Browns acquired Watson in 2022 by sending a package that included three first-round picks to the Houston Texans and then gave him a $230m fully guaranteed contract; he had been accused of sexual assault by dozens of women and, after the NFL’s investigation, was suspended for 11 games in 2022 but never faced criminal charges.

In Saturday’s defeat Watson, who came off the bench, completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception; he replaced Shedeur Sanders, who is competing with him for the starting role. The preseason loss formed part of a competition for the Browns’ quarterback position.

Saturday was Watson’s first game at Cleveland’s home field since he tore his Achilles in October 2024, an injury that drew cheers from some fans at the time; Watson referenced that reception directly after the game. "Last time I played on this field, I tore my achilles and that same fanbase, they cheered when I got hurt," he said. "So what does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city and they cheer."

Responding to the boos, Watson said the reaction was not solely about on-field play and described the experience as personal. "It has nothing to do about the performance," Watson said of the boos. "It’s a little bit personal. I think that’s a disrespectful thing. I’m going to keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally on how I feel about that. Just move on."

He also spoke about the impact of social media and the difference between home and road reception, saying fans do not confront him in public and that players cannot respond at stadiums. "When I’m in public, no one’s mentioned anything," he said. "Because this is social media, players can’t respond back. And then in the stadium, players can’t respond back. So I get it. I understand it. So it is what it is. "It’s a mental battle every day. I feel like I get more love in road games than I do home games. So if it is my spot and he [Monken] does make me the (starter), maybe it’s 17 away games then."

Cleveland’s investment has not produced consistent availability or team postseason success since the trade: Watson has not completed a full season with the Browns because of injury and suspension, has been described as consistently being one of the worst quarterbacks in the league in QBR, and has thrown 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his four seasons with the club. They have played just one postseason game since his arrival, which they lost, and Watson missed that game through injury; 20 quarterbacks threw more than 19 touchdowns in the 2025 NFL season alone.

Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly acknowledged the move for Watson was problematic, calling the decision to acquire him a "big swing and miss."

Browns head coach Todd Monken has yet to decide which quarterback will start the regular-season opener in Jacksonville on 13 September.