Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was the target of a controversial joke during comedian Shane Gillis’ opening monologue at the ESPYs on Wednesday night.
Gillis, who hosted the annual awards show, took a jab at Watson’s past legal troubles stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
“‘Put your hands where my eyes can see’ — that’s what they say when Deshaun Watson gets a massage,” Gillis said, drawing a mix of groans and nervous laughter from the crowd.
Gillis attempted to play it off.
“I disagree as well,” he said while smiling. “I didn’t want to tell it.”
Watson, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, served an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following an investigation into multiple allegations of inappropriate conduct. The Browns quarterback was not in attendance at the event.
Watson was just one of the targets during the scathing monologue from Gillis. He also took shots at Caitlin Clark, Bill Belichick and many others.
Deshaun Watson Seeking Comeback With Browns
The Browns traded for Watson in 2022, signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. The move has since been subject to significant scrutiny.
Watson has played in just 19 games over three seasons, throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He appeared in seven games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury last season, finishing with 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Watson re-injured his Achilles in January during his recovery and underwent a second surgery. He’s expected to miss most, if not all, of next season.
With Watson out, the Browns are staging a four-man competition for the starting quarterback role that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Says He’ll Be ‘Better’ Than Before
The Browns have remained largely supportive of Watson until recently. However, co-owner Jimmy Haslam made striking comments at the NFL’s annual meeting in March, signaling the team is ready to go in a different direction.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole. … [The trade] was an entire organization decision, and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable.”
Watson seemingly responded on social media, acknowledging that many are doubting he’ll be able to make a comeback from his latest setback.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in the post. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Watson is under contract with the Browns through the 2026 season, but his future in Cleveland remains uncertain. The team holds two first-round picks in next year’s draft and could target a franchise quarterback if none of the current options on the roster prove they can lead the team long-term.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns QB Deshaun Watson Called Out in Cringe-Worthy Moment appeared first on Heavy Sports.