Deshaun Watson is back in the NFL as he's been officially reinstated and is gearing up to start for the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. The quarterback was suspended for 11 games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy by committing sexual assault on massage therapists. Many NFL fans are criticizing the controversial quarterback as he makes his debut with the Browns.
Many fans made reference to massage tables when going after the Browns quarterback:
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Other fans took the time to go after the three-time Pro Bowler and Browns' organization:
The Browns traded for Watson this offseason in search of a franchise quarterback and gave him a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. It is the richest contract in NFL history. Cleveland sent the Houston Texans three first-round draft picks in exchange for Watson.
Watson returned to practice with the Browns last month and has been permitted to be in team meetings and work out at the team's training facility since October. In Week 13, he will become the sixth quarterback in the previous 15 seasons to make his debut against the team he last played for.
Deshaun Watson will be the third to do so this season, joining quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson. Mayfield faced the Browns after being traded to the Carolina Panthers while Wilson played against the Seattle Seahawks as a member of the Denver Broncos.
When was the last time Deshaun Watson played in the NFL before this season?
Deshaun Watson last stepped onto an NFL field in the Texans' season finale of the 2020-21 season versus the Tennessee Titans. In that game, he threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Watson didn't play last season for the Texans as he faced over 20 active civil lawsuits and 10 criminal complaints alleging sexual misconduct.
Despite being under investigation at the time, Watson wasn't limited by the league from taking part in team activities. Now, we'll see the 27-year-old take the field as he looks to be the answer for the Cleveland Browns at quarterback.
Cleveland Browns Nation! Check out the latest Cleveland Browns Schedule and dive into the Browns Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.