Deshaun Watson’s first game in 700 days — following a trade request, then more than 20 accusations of sexual misconduct, what the NFL described as “predatory behavior” and an 11-game suspension after being shipped to the Cleveland Browns — was against his old team, the Houston Texans. In Houston, Texas.
The Texans have more reason to dislike Watson than most. His alleged transgressions took place in Houston. While a local grand jury declined to pursue charges, Watson and his legal team settled 23 of the 26 civil suits filed against him — which denotes neither guilt nor innocence — and the Texans reached financial settlements with 30 women related to the team’s culpability in enabling its former quarterback. With several of Watson’s accusers in attendance, fans at NRG Stadium’s dislike poured beyond the former franchise player’s decision to leave and into the damage he allegedly did to the community.
So on Sunday, when Watson took the field, those fans made sure he didn’t feel welcome on the home turf where he’d won 16 games in four years.
The response: pic.twitter.com/fMc764WCDx
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) December 4, 2022
It was much louder at field level.
Here’s reaction to Deshaun Watson taking his first snap. pic.twitter.com/bIUidpLoOW
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 4, 2022
