Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Since Deshaun Watson arrived in Cleveland on a massive contract, frustration among Browns fans surrounding his performance, contract, and off-field controversies has continued to intensify. However, amid the ongoing criticism of Watson, some fans brought franchise legend Jim Brown into the discussion, a move that clearly did not sit well with two-time Super Bowl champion James Harrison.
James Harrison Defends Jim Brown Amid Deshaun Watson Protests
A rivalry that was once defined by fierce battles on the football field rarely turns into an opportunity to defend the opposing side. However, James Harrison found himself doing exactly that for a Cleveland Browns icon. The former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker expressed strong displeasure over recent protests in Cleveland, where activists placed signs criticizing Watson directly on Jim Brown’s statue outside Huntington Bank Field.
On his podcast, Deebo & Joe, Harrison strongly condemned the decision to involve the Browns legend in the ongoing controversy surrounding Watson.
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Deshaun Watson throws at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026.
“I dislike Browns players, but Jim Brown is something different,” Harrison said. “You could have put that sign anywhere, man. Someone took multiple signs, put them on the Jim Brown statue outside the Brown Stadium in protest of the organization’s decision to start Deshaun Watson. Said 280 million, 27 plus victims, zero supporters.”
The Cleveland fans who disrespected Jim Brown’s statue should be ashamed. Leave him out of the Deshaun Watson drama @jharrison9292 | @CharlieBatch16 | #DeeboAndJoe pic.twitter.com/vXaFLYgjtV
— Deebo & Joe (@deeboandjoe) August 29, 2026
The controversy intensified after the Browns officially named Watson their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the upcoming season. Watson and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders had been competing for the starting job throughout the offseason. But after the battle played out, Cleveland ultimately decided to give Watson the nod.
Harrison also challenged the idea of using Brown’s statue as a platform to express legal and moral concerns surrounding Watson.
“Another sign called Watson’s presence on the team permanent damage to the city and franchise. I know he wasn’t criminally charged because when you do the criminal charge, it’s beyond a reasonable doubt. So obviously there was doubt. That’s why he wasn’t charged with it.
“But that doesn’t matter. You put this on Jim Brown’s statue. The man who is the greatest running back and player for the Cleveland Browns y’all have ever had. One of the best running backs to ever do it in the NFL. You should not include Jim in the same manner just talking about Deshaun.”
Cleveland acquired Watson in March 2022 and immediately committed to him with a historic five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Since then, his time with the Browns has been overshadowed by injuries, inconsistent performances, and continuing off-field controversy. The quarterback has been booed by Browns fans at home on five separate occasions.
Therefore, given Watson’s struggles and the controversy surrounding his tenure, the anger from Browns fans is hardly surprising. However, while Harrison understands the frustration directed at Watson, he clearly believes Brown’s legacy should remain completely separate from the ongoing quarterback drama.
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