Deshaun Watson Speaks Out: ‘Everyone’s Doubting Me’ — Browns QB Vows Comeback Amid Retirement Rumors and Injury Setbacks
CLEVELAND, OH – May 25, 2025 — Amid swirling speculation about his future in the NFL, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has broken his silence, addressing persistent retirement rumors and vowing to return to the field stronger than ever. Following a string of injuries and underwhelming performances, Watson is determined to prove that his story in professional football is far from over.
In recent weeks, rumors began circulating suggesting Watson might consider retirement due to his long recovery from a serious Achilles tendon injury — a setback that followed an already turbulent tenure in Cleveland. However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com swiftly dismissed those claims, reporting that Watson remains fully committed to his rehabilitation and eventual return, even if it means playing for a different team down the line.
“He’s determined to come back and play,” Cabot said in a recent column. “It may have to be for another team, but he certainly doesn’t feel close to being done yet. He’s coming along well in his rehab from the retorn Achilles and hasn’t even been ruled out for later this season.”
Despite his struggles, Watson continues to be a highly paid figure in the league. The Browns owe him a fully guaranteed $230 million through the 2026 season, a deal that remains one of the most controversial in NFL history. Even if he never plays another down for Cleveland, Watson will receive the full value of that contract — a fact that has fueled both criticism and concern from Browns fans and analysts alike.
Watson’s Performance So Far
Since arriving in Cleveland in 2022, Watson has played in only 13 games due to suspensions, injuries, and inconsistent play. His record as a starter stands at 9-10, including a dismal 1-6 showing in 2024 before suffering his season-ending Achilles injury.
His passing statistics also paint a concerning picture: 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over three seasons. The offense failed to score more than 20 points in any of Watson’s seven starts last season, and he did not surpass 200 passing yards in a single game in 2024 — a troubling sign for a quarterback once hailed as one of the league’s brightest talents.
Recovery and Resolve
The 29-year-old quarterback suffered his initial Achilles rupture in October 2024, followed by a re-aggravation in January that required a second surgery. Despite the severity of the injury, both Watson and the Browns remain optimistic about his long-term outlook.
“He’s working really hard. Doing a nice job in his rehab,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “Doing a great job in the meeting room as well.”
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry echoed a similar sentiment but stopped short of offering a clear return date.
He’s shown to be a fast healer,” Berry said in February. “We’re going to try and be as thoughtful and aggressive with the recovery process. But how far that spans into 2025, I can’t say just yet.”
Watson has chosen to stay close to the team during his recovery, frequently attending quarterback meetings and maintaining a visible presence at the facility — a decision praised by team leadership.
Watson Breaks His Silence
In a powerful and emotional social media video released this week, Watson addressed the critics head-on, declaring that he still has something to prove — not just to the league, but to himself.
Everyone’s doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me. Everyone don’t think that I can get back to where I was,” Watson said. “But I know and I believe the work that I put in, what I believe in myself, the peace that I’ve been channeling these last couple of months — I know I’m going to be way better than before.”
For now, Watson is focused on the task at hand — defying the odds, silencing the doubters, and reclaiming his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.