Deshaun Watson Gets Love From Browns Fans, Who Booed Him, After 3-1 Start

Cleveland Browns fans chant quarterback Deshaun Watson's name after he delivers a match-winning performance against the Steelers at home.

Deshaun Watson Gets Love From Browns Fans, Who Booed Him, After 3-1 Start

Browns fans cheer Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO/X)

Deshaun Watson continued his good form on Thursday night against divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson set up three touchdowns and the game-winning field goal for the Cleveland Browns.

Watson had fallen out of favor not just with the Browns but with football fans in general after massage parlor employees accused him of making improper advances. He also spent a large amount of time recovering from multiple ACL injuries.

The Browns began the process of phasing Watson out of the team last year by drafting Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Despite delivering underwhelming performances, fans wanted Sanders as the face of the franchise.

That plan had to be altered after Watson re-entered the fold. New head coach Todd Monken chose the veteran signal caller over the less experienced Sanders as the starter. Watson recorded two wins and a defeat in the first three games of the 2026 season.

On Thursday, October 1, Watson delivered another inspiring performance. He threw 24 completions on 33 attempts for 268 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 27-24 victory over the Steelers. After the final whistle, fans chanted Watson’s name.

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Deshaun Watson thanked the Browns fans

Fans wanted the Browns to cut Watson during the offseason, but that didn’t happen. Analysts speculated that Watson’s infamous $230 million guaranteed salary forced the owners’ hands to keep the former first-rounder on the team.

Deshaun Watson Gets Love From Browns Fans, Who Booed Him, After 3-1 Start
Deshaun Watson (Image via IMAGO)

In the meantime, Todd Monken took charge as head coach. Until last year, he served as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator and witnessed Sanders’ talent firsthand.

Initially, he teased that the former Colorado star could start in Week one for the Browns, but once Watson returned, he launched a quarterback battle to decide the starter.

According to reports from Cleveland media, Watson and Sanders were underwhelming at camp. Watson and Sanders shared snaps in the first preseason game, and the 31-year-old outperformed his younger teammate.

The roles reversed in the following game. Sanders performed better while Watson’s game took a nosedive. Browns fans weren’t happy and booed him off the field. During the post-match presser, Watson called out the fans for peddling a negative attitude toward him.

Many thought Watson’s outburst in the media was the last nail in his Browns career. However, Monken assured everyone that Watson’s actions would not affect his decision. Sure enough, he selected Watson to start on opening day against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns lost 34-10 in that game.

Since then, the Browns have won three straight games, including the TNF fixture over rivals the Steelers. Watson played a key role in each one of them. Through four games, Watson has accumulated 80 completions on 115 pass attempts for 855 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.

Prime Video reporter Kaylee Hartung spoke with Watson.

It was electric. Nights like this in Cleveland in front of our home fans, getting them W’s, getting them wins. This is what it’s all about: some blessings, more glory.

Deshaun Watson said after the game

Next week, the Browns play their third road game. They head to the Big Apple to face off against the New York Jets. Watson’s only appearances against the Gang Green came back in 2018, while he was still the Houston Texans quarterback.

He threw 22 completions for 294 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 29-22 victory. The Browns lead the series 16-15 against the Jets (including regular season and postseason play).

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