Deshaun Watson press conference
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Deshaun Watson called Browns fans' boos 'disrespectful' after a 31-7 preseason loss. The outburst may affect the quarterback decision between him and Shedeur Sanders.
Background
Deshaun Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders for the Browns' starting quarterback job. In a preseason game against the Bills, Watson entered in the third quarter and was booed by home fans. After the game, he criticized the fans, referencing that they cheered when he tore his Achilles nearly two years ago. The incident has intensified the quarterback competition and drawn reactions from analysts and fans.
How it unfolded
- Aug 22, 2026Browns lose 31-7 to Bills in preseason; Watson goes 5 of 12 for 36 yards and an interception, and is booed when he enters in the third quarter.
- Aug 22, 2026In his postgame press conference, Watson calls the boos 'disrespectful' and 'personal,' and mentions fans cheered when he tore his Achilles.
- Aug 22, 2026Coach Todd Monken says Watson's comments won't impact his decision on the starting quarterback.
- Aug 23, 2026Cleveland.com and Dawgs By Nature discuss whether Watson's press conference should affect the QB decision.
- Aug 24, 2026Shannon Sharpe criticizes Watson's press conference appearance as 'a bad look.'
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach Todd Monken said the booing is tied to performance and that 'everybody will be fine' if Watson plays well, but Watson's comments won't affect his decision.
- Analysts
- Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot and others discussed whether Watson's comments could factor into the starting quarterback decision.
- Public
- Browns fans booed Watson at the game, and some commentators like Shannon Sharpe called his press conference appearance 'a bad look.'
- Support
- Watson said the boos are 'disrespectful' and have nothing to do with performance, citing that fans cheered when he tore his Achilles.
Still unverified
Watson's claim that fans cheered when he tore his Achilles is based on his own statement and has not been independently verified.