HOUSTON (AP) - Deshaun Watson signed autographs for Texans and Browns fans, posed for selfies, and prepared for his first game in 700 days in a familiar place.
The quarterback is playing his first game Sunday since returning from an 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct. Watson’s debut with Cleveland comes against Houston, where he was a three-time Pro Bowl pick in four seasons.
Watson had plenty of supporters in the stands, while a group of the women who accused him of sexual harassment and assault during massages also planned to attend the game.
One fan walked into NRG Stadium wearing a derogatory shirt in Browns colors that includes text saying "I need a massage." He was joined by a fan wearing Watson’s No. 4 Browns jersey.
Fans in the parking lot set up a fake massage table with a mannequin wearing a red Texans jersey and a towel.
The few fans in their seats when Watson and the Browns jogged onto the field about an hour before kickoff booed.
Watson sat out the 2021 season after demanding a trade from Houston. After two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him over the allegations, the Browns traded several draft picks to get Watson and then signed him to a fully guaranteed $235 million contract.
After warming up, Watson signed jerseys for fans behind the end zone. An 18-year-old man from East Texas got Watson’s autograph on his Browns jersey. A couple from Houston wearing Texans jerseys also got Watson’s signature on their jerseys.
"We don’t really know what happened and everyone deserves a second chance," said Sherry Holden, explaining her support.
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Several Browns fans said they were uncomfortable rooting for Watson.
"I’m cheering for the jersey and the team, but it’s hard to accept him as my quarterback," said Brandon Collins, who traveled from Ohio for the game.
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Women who accused Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct to attend his first game back in Houston
Deshaun Watson was a star with the Houston Texans before facing multiple lawsuits claiming sexual misconduct. An investigation into the claims forced the quarterback to sit out an entire season. He was then traded to the Cleveland Browns before the start of the 2021-22 season. Well-known Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented Watson's accusers, confirmed in a statement to FOX 26 that he would be attending the game, personally. Some of his clients, he added, would be joining him as an act of solidarity.
The NFL wanted to suspend Watson for at least one season but settled for 11 games after an independent arbiter initially gave him a six-game ban. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Watson’s behavior "egregious" and "predatory."
Watson also was fined $5 million and required to undergo professional counseling and therapy. Watson has maintained his innocence but also apologized to the women he impacted.
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The Browns went 4-7 with veteran Jacoby Brissett filling in for Watson. The Texans are 1-9-1.