CLEVELAND — Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said the booing he heard from some Cleveland fans during Saturday's home preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills was "disrespectful" and "personal." Watson, who has a complicated relationship with fans due to off-field issues, addressed the crowd's reaction after the game.
"I think it's just disrespectful, I think it's personal," Watson said, according to multiple reports. "I'm a human being, I have feelings." The quarterback, who is entering his third season with the Browns after serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 for sexual misconduct allegations, has faced criticism from fans since his arrival.
The Browns lost the preseason game 33-21 to the Bills. Watson played only one series, completing 2 of 3 passes for 20 yards before being replaced by backup Jameis Winston. The boos were audible when Watson took the field and again when he left.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game that he understands fans' frustration but emphasized that the team supports Watson. "I know our fans are passionate," Stefanski said. "We've got to do a better job as a team to give them something to cheer about."
Watson, 30, is in the second year of a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. He has started only 12 games for Cleveland due to suspension and injuries, throwing for 2,217 yards with 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in that span.
