Browns' Deshaun Watson: 'Charity Work' Hasn't Helped Cleveland Relationship

The last time Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson remembers playing at Huntington Bank Field, he was being carted off to the sounds of fans cheering his exit.

A little less than two years later, Watson was receiving boos after throwing an interception against the Buffalo Bills during Saturday's preseason game. 

When speaking to reporters after the game on Saturday, Watson said he felt like he receives "more love" on the road than in Cleveland. If he's named the starting quarterback, he'll have to prepare to play 17 road games during the regular season.

“It’s a mental battle every day," Watson said. "I feel like I get more love on road games than I do at home games. So, if it is my spot and he does make me the starter, maybe it’s 17 away games, then. I don’t know.”

Watson struggled against the Bills, going 5 of 12 passing for 36 yards and one interception. He's not sure why he's getting so much hate from Cleveland fans, noting he's done considerable charity work in the city.

“I thought being away for two years and working myself back from two Achilles injuries and putting the time in, being around the facility, being around the city, doing charity work in the city, supporting the Cleveland Browns, hanging out with fans whenever I do see them, being honest, being the type of person I know I am, and the character would help, and I guess it hasn’t," Watson said.

"So, that’s why I say it’s more personal. It is what it is. People have their own opinions, and there’s only so much you can do to change that. So, at the end of the day, I just have to continue to work on it and strive to be better mentally moving forward.”

Watson's comments won't sit well with Browns fans. In a bizarre twist, it might be fortunate the team won't play at home until Week 3 when they host the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27.

Of course, Cleveland could be 0-2 by the point after playing the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start the campaign. 

There could be less charity from the fan base by then.