The tension surrounding the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson has reached another level after the quarterback was met with loud boos from his own fans.
Former Houston Texans offensive lineman Ephraim Salaam has now weighed in, questioning why the relationship between Watson and the Cleveland fanbase has become so fractured.
Ephraim Salaam Takes Aim at Deshaun WatsonWatson entered Cleveland’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills in the second half and immediately heard boos from sections of the home crowd.
His performance did little to quiet the criticism. Watson completed just 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception in Cleveland’s 31-7 loss. After the game, Watson called the fans’ reaction “disrespectful” and “personal.” He also referenced his October 2024 Achilles injury, when some fans cheered after he went down.
Watson argued that the hostility was about more than his performance and suggested he sometimes receives more support on the road than at home.
Salaam, who spent four seasons with the Texans, believes the situation is unusual for a quarterback with Watson’s résumé.
“Has a Pro-Bowl QB performing ever been booed? It is personal, but not for off-the-field reasons. There have been plenty of players who were beloved with off-the-field issues,” Salaam remarked.
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Salaam’s comments highlight just how unusual the relationship between Watson and Browns fans has become.
Watson arrived in Cleveland amid scrutiny over multiple civil lawsuits and sexual misconduct allegations, immediately dividing the fanbase. Suspension and major injuries then limited him to fewer than 20 starts in his first four years with the team, making it difficult for him to regain his Pro Bowl form or win over Cleveland supporters.
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Deshaun Watson Faces a Difficult Road AheadWatson later softened his tone, acknowledging that his emotions played a role in his postgame comments after spending years working through rehab.
“My comments weren’t intended to go at any of the fans around in the city. Because there have been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me,” Watson said.
Despite the controversy, head coach Todd Monken ultimately named Watson the Browns’ starting quarterback for the regular-season opener. He stressed that the decision was based on the team’s football evaluation rather than fan reaction.
That leaves Watson with a difficult challenge: winning back a skeptical fanbase through his on-field performance.
For now, the boos have made one thing clear: the relationship between Watson and Browns fans remains complicated, and strong play may be the only way to change the conversation.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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