Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has found himself at the center of controversy once again after re-injuring his Achilles. The team announced on Friday that Watson reported discomfort after rolling his ankle during an incident in Miami, and subsequent MRI results confirmed that he had ruptured his Achilles for the second time, just months after undergoing surgery to repair the initial injury.
The latest setback has raised eyebrows among fans and medical experts alike, as Watson was seen in a TikTok video with his girlfriend, seemingly on vacation, without wearing a walking boot or using crutches – precautions that are typically essential during the recovery process. This has led to questions about whether Watson took his rehabilitation seriously, with critics suggesting that his decision to post the video could cost him millions.
“Watson’s decision to post a video of himself dancing on vacation without his walking boot inside of 3 months of surgery is about to lose him $172 million,” one social media user bluntly stated.
This marks Watson’s third season with the Browns, but he has yet to complete a full season due to injuries and other setbacks. With this latest injury and subsequent surgery – his second on the same Achilles in less than three months – his playing status for the 2025 season is highly uncertain. The Browns, who own the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, may now be forced to explore alternative quarterback options to secure their future.
On a positive note, the team’s decision to insure Watson’s contract provides some financial relief, as $44.3 million of his $46 million base salary for next season is covered by insurance, cushioning the blow of this challenging situation.
As the Browns and their fans grapple with the implications of Watson’s latest injury, the quarterback’s apparent disregard for recovery protocols has sparked a wave of criticism and concern about the long-term impact on his career and the team’s prospects.
