Deshaun Watson asserts Browns-Steelers rivalry is the ‘biggest’ in all sports

Deshaun Watson has a 0-3 record against the Steelers; two of those losses were with the Browns and one with the Texans.

Deshaun Watson asserts Browns-Steelers rivalry is the ‘biggest’ in all sports

Deshaun Watson on Browns-Steelers rivalry (Via Imago)

Among the many famous rivalries such as Packers vs. Bears, Ravens vs. Bengals, or Jets vs. Patriots, one that often gets missed but has a long historic rivalry is Browns vs. Steelers. Although there’s no shortage of rivalries in the AFC North division, the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are known to have been carrying grudges against each other for decades. 

While talking about the success of the Browns in recent times, quarterback Deshaun Watson also touched on the subject of his team’s intense rivalry with the Steelers– calling it the biggest rivalry, even more feral than the famous Baltimore Ravens rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Cleveland-Pittsburgh, for sure. It’s even bigger than Cincinnati. It’s not Baltimore. Baltimore is up there, but it ain’t as real as Pittsburgh. 
Deshaun Watson said during the recent episode of his podcast QB Unplugged

Watson has a 0-3 record against the Steelers; two of those losses were with the Browns and one with the Houston Texans. Nonetheless, there has been a significant animosity between the fanbases of both franchises, especially on the part of the Browns. 

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Last season, when the two faced off each other in week 2, Cleveland had the opportunity to score a win however QB Watson threw an interception and recorded a game-sealing fumble that the Steelers’ TJ Watt converted into a game-winning touchdown. 

Deshaun Watson back in action post-shoulder recovery

As the three-time Pro Bowler returned to field with the Browns, his recovery from the shoulder injury of last fall has been steady and he’s actively participating in the team’s practice sessions. The Browns have been following a scheduled plan with him, in which Watson has to throw every other day. 

Deshaun Watson and Kevin Stefanski
Deshaun Watson and Kevin Stefanski (via Imago)

Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in Watson as he talked about his recovery, saying he “looked like himself to me” and making great progress. 

Previously in April, Watson gave a crucial update on his recovery, claiming he would be ready 100 percent by the start of the 2024 regular season. 

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