Browns Fans Deface Jim Brown Statue After Watson Wins 2026 Starting QB Job

2 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 26

Protest signs targeting Deshaun Watson and owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam were taped to the Jim Brown statue outside Browns Stadium after Todd Monken named Watson the Browns' starting quarterback.
Cleveland staff later removed the signs, but the statue protest underscored how sharply fans have turned against the decision and the franchise.
Watson, 31, was picked over Shedeur Sanders, whose popularity in Cleveland grew after Watson's dismal preseason showing in Saturday's loss to Buffalo.
The backlash lands on a fan base carrying a 62-year title drought, no division crown since 1989 and only one playoff win this century, with Watson's contract still expected to end after 2026.