Dion Dawkins still believes in Deshaun Watson. The NFL star delivered a strong message after the Buffalo Bills’ joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.
Dawkins, a veteran offensive tackle and five-time Pro Bowler, described Watson as “still him.” He also backed the quarterback’s ability to thrive with the right protection.
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“Deshaun is still him,” Dawkins said. “If you have a line that can protect the quarterback, then the quarterback is going to thrive. And he’s been that guy. He is that guy. And the world tries to paint a crazy picture that’s already painted. But let the past be the past. The kid ball(s). He’s a baller. And he’s here, and he shows it. He’s a baller. But the battles are there, and they kept going.”
“We’re in practice, and if he’s playing on Saturday, then he’ll be balling again. There’s a lot of talk going on.”
Watson has plenty to prove. The Browns acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022 after he established himself as one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks. Watson earned three Pro Bowl selections with Houston. He also led the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns and passer rating during the 2020 season.
The Cleveland quarterback’s tenure with the franchise has taken a different path. Injuries have limited Watson, playing only six games in 2023 before a shoulder injury ended his season. He then suffered a torn Achilles in 2024 and missed the entire 2025 campaign while continuing his recovery.
Deshaun Watson’s career numbers prove Dion Dawkins rightCleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, center, poses for a portrait with general manager Andrew Berry, left, and coach Kevin Stefanski during Watson’s introductory news conference March 26, 2022, in Berea.Watson has played 73 games in his NFL career. He has completed 1,527 of 2,305 passes for 17,904 yards, a 66.2 percent completion rate and averages 7.8 yards per attempt.
The three-time Pro Bowler has also thrown 123 touchdowns against 48 interceptions, while his career passer rating sits at 98.8. The numbers highlight Watson’s ability as a passer.
The 30-year-old produced some of his best football with Houston. He threw for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2020, completing 70.2 percent of his passes..
Watson’s career numbers show the ability. However, his health will determine how much of it he can still bring to the field.
Dawkins believes Watson is still that quarterback. Now he gets the chance to show it.
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