Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson finally addressed fans booing him after being carted off the field with a torn Achilles that's kept him sidelined since October 2024
00:18 ET, 11 Jun 2026
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks to the media
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Deshaun Watson addressed fans who booed his 2024 season-ending Achilles injury (Image: Cleveland Browns)
Nearly two years after suffering a devastating Achilles tear and being carted off the field for the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson has finally addressed the fans who booed and cheered as he left the stadium.
Watson made it clear that the experience is yet another uncontrollable part of his NFL career as he attempts yet another comeback. Watson was asked about the criticism and hostility he has faced from Browns fans during the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.
Rather than firing back at the Dawg Pound, the three-time Pro Bowler insisted he has learned to block out outside noise while focusing on the people closest to him. Meanwhile, Donald Trump was forced into awkward admission after failing to recognize a Browns legend.
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"At the end of the day, I can't control what people support," Watson told reporters. "I can't focus on what the outside is saying. All I can do is showcase who I am as a person, player, and teammate."
Watson suffered a non-contact torn Achilles tendon during a Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2024 NFL season. CBS cameras captured sections of the crowd booing as medical staff attended to him before he was carted away.
Many fans defended the reaction by pointing to frustration over Watson's play and massive contract. The Browns QB threw for 1148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions across seven games before the injury. Watson is in the last year of his 5-year, $230 million contract with $46 million guaranteed.
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Watson experienced another Achilles tear on January 6, 2025, after a successful surgery and the start of rehab. This led to a second surgery three days later, which prolonged his absence and added to an already extensive medical history.
The Browns QB had shoulder issues in 2023, experienced ACL tears during college and his NFL career, and has now suffered two significant Achilles injuries within less than three months. The Browns have gone on to completely rebuild their quarterback room with Watson sidelined.
Cleveland traded for Kenny Pickett, reunited with veteran Joe Flacco, drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, signed Tyler Huntley before releasing him, and later added Bailey Zappe to the organization.
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders throw passes during Browns OTAs
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The Browns have not yet named a starter for next season(Image: Getty Images)
Flacco was eventually benched and traded, Gabriel struggled before suffering a concussion, and Sanders finished the year as Cleveland's starter and earned a trip to the NFL Pro Bowl.
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The Browns begin another offseason unsure of their quarterback situation after missing the playoffs with a 5-12 record and finishing last in the AFC North for the second consecutive year.
Head coach Todd Monken has not yet announced a starting quarterback, but NFL fans assume that Watson and Sanders are heavily contesting the position.