After sitting out the 2021 season and serving an 11-game suspension due to allegations of sexual misconduct and assault, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns started playing again on Sunday. When Watson made his comeback, he was given a challenging assignment: playing on the road against his old team, the Houston Texans.
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Browns officially added Deshaun Watson to their 53-man roster today. He is slated to start Sunday vs. the Texans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2022
In response to Watson’s legal troubles, the Texans traded him to the Browns this offseason. Watson had been the franchise’s face ever since being selected in 2017 before all of that drama.
Following an appeal, the NFL announced it had reached a settlement with the players association and was extending Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension to 11 games. This comes weeks after Watson was given the punishment for the alleged sexual misconduct, which was a six-game suspension. They also tacked on a $5 million penalty and required mental health counseling for the quarterback of the Browns.
Twitter went crazy shortly after his return, and the crowd reacted in various ways.
Mixed Reactions From Fans On Watson’s Return
On Sunday, Texans supporters treated their former quarterback like the worst possible enemy, booing him throughout the game and wearing offensive T-shirts that made fun of his alleged sexual assault. Additionally, some tailgaters even set up makeshift massage tables in the parking lot.
Far from a full NRG Stadium, but they rained down boos on Deshaun Watson before his first snap. pic.twitter.com/4o2TEbOMH9
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) December 4, 2022
While Watson’s return to the field has no doubt made the Browns happy, not all fans shared that sentiment. While some supporters are still opposed to his return, others are eager to see what he can bring to the team.
Manifesting Deshaun Watson to suck at football when he returns next week
Drop a candle to manifest his downfall 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) November 28, 2022
According to one NFL analyst, Watson should have a terrible season.
Deshaun Watson reminding everyone he plays football next week: pic.twitter.com/E0uoGE2RRZ
— Hutchinson Brown (@hutchinsonb_ff) November 28, 2022
Another user uses an Office clip to demonstrate how the star quarterback only has one week until his return.
There are a lot of negative reactions, but there are just as many positive ones. One supporter is delighted to see Watson back and eager to watch him play once more.
I’m excited to see him play.
Forget the scandals, forget the drama. HE IS INNOCENT BEFORE PROVEN GUILTY!
He is such an amazing talent on the football field too one of the most entertaining players to watch so I’m pumped to have him back in the league once & for all. 🤝
— BLM 🇨🇺 (@Callinmereborn) November 28, 2022
Big shoutout to Jacoby Brissett he played good over this last stretch and deserves a lot of credit for his demeanor and attitude he has shown on this team great job sir …. Let’s see what’s Deshauns got for CLE
— AJ (@MmaLife23) November 28, 2022
There were some supporters who expressed gratitude to Brissett for leading the team while Watson was suspended.
Jalen Pitre picking off Deshaun Watson is the best moment of the Houston Texans 2022 season so far and I don’t think it’s even remotely close.
Beautiful. #WeAreTexans
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) December 4, 2022
The Houston Crowd to Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/ZBOVD3Hweo
— Blake Garman (@FrostedBlakes34) December 4, 2022
In total, Watson completed 12 of his 22 passes for 131 yards without a touchdown or interception. Browns victory, 27-14. However, NFL fans continued to support Watson’s struggles with memes and nasty tweets.
Deshaun Watson throws an interception in his return to Houston.
🎥 @HoustonTexans pic.twitter.com/PY3NnBHTks
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) December 4, 2022