Why won’t DeShaun Watson’s actions be forgiven by Cleveland Browns supporters?
During the 2022 offseason, one of the most talked-about trades was the one that sent DeShaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns.
The squad and supporters had anticipated that the veteran quarterback’s arrival would propel them to the postseason and beyond, but all they witnessed was him grinning with the opposition on Saturday.
The front staff of the Browns made great efforts to get Watson, who was then with the Houston Texans, two seasons ago. Cleveland forfeited three first-round selections, one third-round selection, and two fourth-round selections in return for the signal-caller.
The Texans made out well on the trade, acquiring linebacker Will Anderson Jr. in 2023, defensive back Dameon Pierce in 2022, and guard Kenyion Greene in 2023.
Although they both missed the 2023 campaign due to injuries, the first two enjoyed successful rookie seasons. Anderson Jr., on the other hand, made an instant impression and is poised to win defensive rookie of the year.
Thanks to the Browns’ selections, CJ Stroud, Watson’s successor, did not appear, but he surely succeeded in making Houston supporters forget about DeShaun. After his first year, the rookie already has the same number of postseason victories as his predecessor in seven years, thanks to an outstanding campaign.
Watson’s treachery
DeShaun eventually made his way back to NRG Stadium, his old playground, on Saturday to take on his old colleagues in the Wild Card Super Round. The outcome was a shocking 45-14 loss that ended the Browns’ hopes of making it to the postseason.
With a shoulder injury, Watson watched the game from the sidelines, and veteran Joe Flacco, who was supposed to replace him, was unable to move the pigskin in the icy Houston conditions. In addition to the heartbreaking loss, Watson made an unexpected gesture that many of his supporters will never be able to forgive.
Cleveland supporters won’t be so quick to forgive Watson for smiling on camera at the conclusion of the game, even though his wound had just recently healed.
Reactions from fans
One fan posted on social media, “Why is Deshaun Watson smiling like he just won with the Texans?” and he wasn’t the only one. “I know I haven’t seen Watson smile after our season just concluded,” a different netizen inquired. Correct?”
However, the animosity was only getting started: “I hope Watson never plays for this team again.” How is he acting? What a poor leader,” said one fan, while another said, “Deshaun Watson’s dusty *ss has no business smiling out on that field right now.”
A more perceptive observer pointed out, “Deshaun Watson just watched, while on the sidelines, his old squad destroy his new team, and CJ Stroud balls out. Even worse, his new team traded all those assets to his old team, so now his new team is returning home and his old team is progressing in the playoffs.”
Of the 34 games Watson has played with the Browns, just 11 have been played due to injuries and suspensions. The organization, which will give him $62 million next season, is hoping that their investment in him will pay off when he has the opportunity to play the entire season.
