Deshaun Watson Slams Browns Fans in Video After Getting Booed During Preseason Game

Deshaun Watson says he felt Cleveland Browns fans were "disrespectful" when they booed him during Saturday's preseason game against the visiting Buffalo Bills.

"I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance," Watson said after Saturday's preseason action (h/t ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi). "It's a little bit more personal than that. So, I think that's a disrespectful thing."

"Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles," Watson added. "That same fanbase, they cheered when I got hurt.

"What does that have to do with it? What does that have to do anything with my performance? When a person gets hurt, especially from their own city, and they cheer... I had different thoughts on what it was going to be, but it is what it is."

Watson also said prior to Saturday he thought he'd done enough since making his last start for the Browns in October 2024 to help win over the fanbase.

"I thought being away for two years, and working myself back from two Achilles injuries, and putting the time in, and being around the facility, being around the city, doing charity work in the city, supporting the Cleveland Browns, hanging out with fans whenever I do see them... would help, but I guess it hasn't," Watson said. "It's personal."

Boos could be heard on the broadcast after Watson threw an interception in the third quarter. He finished with 5-of-12 passing for 36 yards.

Shedeur Sanders, who is competing with Watson for the starting job, also threw an interception as the Browns conceded a 31-7 defeat to a Bills squad led by quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele.

"In general, I don't appreciate that at all, regardless of competition. We're all human beings," Sanders said about the boos after the game.

"However y'all feel about the situation, about with Deshaun and everything— still, I think it's more about the bigger purpose of just respect. It's just respect that I feel like should be there, because we're all out there trying to do our best and trying to serve the franchise."

Browns coach Todd Monken said he felt his quarterbacks could get a better reaction from the crowd at Huntington Bank Field with stronger play.

"I don't wanna get booed. It comes with the territory," Monken said. "You don't want to get booed, just play good football. Let's play good at quarterback... and then you don't have to worry about it, because it can turn just like that.

"Win, play good football, and everything will be fine."

Monken also said he would wait to see tape to evaluate Watson's play but he was "proud of the way he's worked to get where he's at."

The Browns have yet to confirm whether it will be Watson or Sanders starting when the team opens the regular season Sept. 13 at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Monken said Saturday he expects announce Watson or Sanders as the starter before Thursday's preseason finale against the visiting New England Patriots.