NFL: SUPER BOWL XLV-2011-NFL Hall of Fame Press Conference
Feb 5, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Shannon Sharpe at the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame announcement show at the Super Bowl XLV media center at the International Conference and Exposition Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Shannon Sharpe has urged Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to block out the noise after being booed by home fans. Watson faced a hostile reception during Cleveland’s 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on August 22.
Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 34 yards and threw one interception during that NFL preseason game. The performance came after Shedeur Sanders started and completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards.
Watson later called the fans’ reaction “disrespectful” and said the boos felt personal. Sharpe addressed the situation on the “Nightcap” podcast, offering Watson a blunt assessment.
“It’s really as simple as that. Just play better football,” Sharpe said. “Give them something to cheer about. Right now, you’re giving them boo play. So they’re booing.”
MORE: Deshaun Watson rips ‘disrespectful’ Browns fans for booing, recalls torn Achilles reaction
Sharpe also acknowledged that Watson cannot expect every Browns fan to forgive his past. “Some people have forgiven you and moved on. Yes, some people haven’t,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe said Watson must accept that some fans will continue holding their opinions. “You have to accept that. Be okay with that,” he said.
Shannon Sharpe tells Deshaun Watson to focus on what he controls
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The former NFL tight end also drew from his own experience dealing with public criticism. “Still put the blinders on and look straight ahead down the field,” Sharpe said. “If they boo, they boo. If they cheer, they cheer.”
That approach matters as Cleveland has decided to go with Watson as their starting QB for Week 1 of the regular season. Watson struggled to create momentum during his second-half drives against Buffalo, but he was in control during preseason Week 1.
The Browns have not allowed the crowd reaction to dictate their quarterback decision. Performance, command of the offense and consistency will continue to be evaluated as the Browns’ season unfolds.
MORE: Deshaun Watson wins Browns’ starting QB job, but no one is happy
Meanwhile, Watson’s history with Cleveland makes the rift with fans easy to understand. The Browns gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, while injuries and suspension limited his availability.
Sharpe thinks that Watson’s clearest response remains his play. “You can’t control the booing or the cheering except with your play,” he said. “Give them something to cheer for, give them less to boo about.”
Shannon Sharpe agrees with Todd Monken on Deshaun Watson, saying strong play will silence the boos. Sharpe adds that if anyone understands what Watson is dealing with, it’s him. When people jumped off his bandwagon and the negative comments flooded in, he refused to let it affect… pic.twitter.com/kUzG8yjeb9
— NBA Hoops (@Thechat101) August 24, 2026
The challenge now extends beyond winning back supporters. Watson must prove he can stay healthy, perform consistently and give Cleveland’s loyal fans confidence.
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