Deshaun Watson reflects on suspension heading into second Browns camp: ‘The whole situation changed me’

Quarterback Deshaun Watson goes via his second Cleveland Browns coaching camp, however that is the primary time when he’ll have the ability to go well with up for Week 1.

Watson served an 11-game suspension to start out the 2022 season after violating the NFL’s private conduct coverage, following accusations by greater than two dozen girls of sexual assault and misconduct throughout therapeutic massage periods. The NFL and NFLPA had a settlement that included the suspension and a $5 million fantastic whereas Watson needed to enter a therapy program.

Watson finally slotted in because the Browns’ starting quarterback as soon as his suspension was over, however this 12 months he’s anticipated to assist Cleveland flip the web page towards the playoffs as soon as once more.

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However as you’d anticipate after what Watson has gone via, this 12 months feels a lot completely different for him.

“The entire scenario modified me,” Watson stated Sunday through ESPN. “In a scenario the place I simply needed to lock in on myself, channel and actually know who I am surrounding myself with and simply actually who’s going to be there and assist me even once I’m at my lowest level, and the previous few years had been undoubtedly my lowest level in my life.

“However that is a part of life. I simply develop from it, I be taught from it. I proceed to maneuver ahead and push ahead and proceed to indicate my actual character, my actual persona and who I’m.”

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Watson didn’t elaborate on how the scenario modified for him, however normal supervisor Andrew Berry gave reward to his beginning quarterback.

“I believe that is going to be an enormous 12 months for him, professionally and personally,” Berry stated. “We predict he is in nice form bodily. He is been actually good on the sphere. And I really like what he is achieved off the sphere, so very enthusiastic about him.”

Watson additionally famous feeling “rather well” whereas persevering with to construct rapport along with his receivers. Final season, Watson, a three-time Professional Bowler throughout his time with the Houston Texanshad noticeable rust, going 3-3 with 1,102 yards passing, seven touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns walks off the sphere through the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on Could 24, 2023, in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Pictures through Getty Pictures)

He had simply six video games on the 12 months, but it surely was his first time on an NFL area since his ultimate recreation of the 2020 season – he sat out all of 2021 following the accusations as properly.

Watson understands the focus will proceed to shine vivid on him due to what occurred off the sphere, not simply because the Browns signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract to place their savior at crucial place within the recreation.

However he addressed his teammates privately, speaking to them about his private life and such following a Saturday walk-through.

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“Issues that folks don’t actually get to listen to about. Particularly final 12 months it’s been the media directing and narrating one thing else … [my story] has been sort of overshadowed,” Watson stated through ESPN.

Watson will proceed to work along with his teammates and coaches to get on the identical web page in a season by which he’s hoping to get again to his elite kind. When wholesome and on the high of his recreation, Watson is likely one of the greatest quarterbacks in soccer, utilizing his sturdy arm and fast legs to steer his offense.

“Having a possibility to enter the season with a full offseason, locked in, targeted, it undoubtedly feels good, and I need to proceed to maintain channeling and cherishing all that vitality and optimistic vitality that’s been unfold round this group.”

Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns appears on through the Cleveland Browns obligatory veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 7, 2023, in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Pictures through Getty Pictures)

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The Browns are slated to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who reached back-to-back AFC Championship video games, in Week 1 to kick off their 2023 regular-season schedule.