Cleveland Browns fans booed quarterback Deshaun Watson at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday, but Watson said he doesn't think it had anything to do with his performance.
Watson went 5-for-12 for 36 yards in the air and an interception while also rushing for 13 yards on two attempts during the team's 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland.
Despite the meager stat line, Watson told reporters after the preseason loss that he felt "it has nothing to do about the performance. it's a little bit personal than that. So I think it's a disrespectful thing."
As USA TODAY Sportsnoted: "Watson appeared to be referencing the sexual misconduct allegations that had previously been levied against him. He was the subject of 27 lawsuits dating back to March
2021, all by women who accused him of sexual misconduct."
Watson also recalling the cheers he alleged he got when he tore his Achillesat Huntington Bank Stadium in 2024.
MORE: 7 Browns quarterback options if the team wants to look elsewhere
Some #Browns fans unloaded on Deshaun Watson with boos Saturday in the 31-7 loss to the #Bills. After the game, Watson unloaded on them. pic.twitter.com/y8TYknqZSh
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) August 22, 2026
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson on being booed by fans today.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 22, 2026
"It has nothing to do about the performance. It's a little bit [more] personal than that. It's a disrespectful thing."
"Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fan base cheered when I got hurt." pic.twitter.com/yB1g0OznZf
Sanders' Cleveland teammate Shedeur Sanders agreed with Watson that more respect should be shown by the home crowd.
Bills DB taunts Shedeur Sanders after interception with watch celly
Shedeur Sanders said he didn't appreciate the Browns fans booing Deshaun Watson, via @ceasterlingABJ:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 22, 2026
"It's a respect that I feel should be there." pic.twitter.com/DkK4Zh944f
As long as Watson plays for Cleveland, there are probably going to be boos. If Sanders wins the quarterback competition, Watson probably won't hear any boos since he's not playing.
Who is winning the Browns' QB competition?
The battle appears to be squarely between Sanders and Watson.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Deshaun Watson blasted Browns fans over preseason boos: 'It's a disrespectful thing'
