Deshaun Watson apologizes to Browns fans after winning QB1 job

Although he’s been named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns for the 2026 NFL season, Deshaun Watson knows his work is only getting started. It didn’t take long for fans to react to Watson winning the starting job over Shedeur Sanders, and the former knows better than to have his own fans pitted against him.

That’s exactly what happened after Watson called out Browns fans who booed him during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Thus, shortly after the Browns announced their decision for the upcoming NFL campaign, the three-time Pro Bowler delivered a sincere statement. Being a starting quarterback in the league is difficult enough as it is, and Watson won’t add to the challenge by becoming a public enemy of Cleveland’s fanbase as well.

“First off, I want to address my comments from Saturday after the game. I think just human nature, myself being very emotional, putting in a lot of time these last two years to get back and spend time in this facility, in this city, I thought I was going to get a little different response. I think my emotions got the best of me,” Watson stated during his media availability on Monday.

“My comments weren’t attending to go at any of the fans in the city. Because there’s been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me. I know the frustration this organization has put up [with]. Again, I understand the frustration. Moving forward I just want to focus on football. I thrive off the energy of the fans and community. My emotions got the best of me, I’m human, and I take full responsibility of that.”

Deshaun Watson at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

Watson will start the season on the road

While most players will agree that playing at home is always advantageous, Watson might actually be relieved that his first two starts of the season will come on the road. The Browns will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both on the road in the Sunshine State.

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Shedeur Sanders reacts to Browns fans booing Deshaun Watson

For the veteran quarterback with a lot to prove, it may be a blessing in disguise. At home, the fans are unforgiving and will waste no time calling for Sanders to take over as soon as the offense under Watson’s supervision stalls or turns the ball over.

Watson’s first starts in 2026

Playing on the road means facing adversity and a hostile environment, but not the murmurs in the stands every time the offense steps on or off the field. If Watson can change the tide in his first two starts, by the time he is back in Cleveland for Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, he might have less weight on his shoulders.

If he struggles, however, it will make for an even more hostile welcome in the home opener. Who knows? Maybe Watson doesn’t even make it to Week 3 as the Browns’ starting quarterback. It seems unlikely that head coach Todd Monken would go to such an extreme, unless Watson puts up historically bad numbers. Regardless, that home game against the Panthers could very well be Watson’s last chance to confirm his starting role.

Watson must prove himself

Apologizing to the fans is a good start for Watson to mend the burnt bridge with the Dawg Pound, but everybody knows the truest act of forgiveness must come on the gridiron on Sundays, not at a podium during the week.