In professional sports, athletes typically credit rigorous training, medical treatments, or mental resilience for their recovery from injuries.
However, current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson gave a refreshingly unconventional answer when it came to his recovery from a serious eye injury: Popeyes spicy chicken sandwiches.
In 2019, during a game against the Oakland Raiders while with the Houston Texans, Watson endured a significant injury when he was kicked in the eye by defensive end Arden Key. Despite the severity of the injury, Watson remained in the game and even threw a game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Darren Fells, all while partially blinded by the injury.
His toughness and determination were on full display that day, as he powered through the pain to help secure the victory for the Texans.
The following week, Watson led the Texans to a dominant 26-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Although he played exceptionally well, his left eye was still visibly swollen and bloodshot. When asked about how he was able to recover so quickly, Watson gave a surprising answer that would go viral.
A spicy solution
In a post-game interview, Watson humorously credited his recovery to Popeyes spicy chicken sandwiches, saying, “The key was the Popeyes spicy chicken sandwiches that I ate this week. That helped the eye.” His comment was lighthearted, but it quickly caught the attention of fans and media alike.
Watson’s humorous response seemed to connect perfectly with the recent re-release of Popeyes’ famous chicken sandwich, which had garnered a massive following in its own right during its initial launch.
The timing of his comment only added to the intrigue. Popeyes was in the midst of a heated “Chicken Wars” with Chick-fil-A, and Watson’s endorsement, albeit playful, was enough to fuel the fire. His remark became a topic of conversation among fans, with many joking that he had discovered the secret to faster recovery.
Fans react with humor and support
The internet’s reaction to Watson’s comment was swift, filled with humor, and mostly supportive. One fan joked, “KFC paid him to say this,” while another wrote, “Popeyes chicken sandwich has helped me get through some tough times, too.”
Others suggested that if Popeyes sandwiches had such healing powers, the Cleveland Browns should stock up on them for their locker room. These humorous remarks spread quickly across social media, turning Watson’s quirky claim into an internet sensation.
Despite the playful nature of the remark, Watson’s on-field performance remained serious. In the Jacksonville game, Watson threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Texans to an easy win and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure, even with an injury.
A career under scrutiny
Fast forward to 2025, and Watson’s career has been plagued by challenges. After the Cleveland Browns traded for him in 2022, his time in Cleveland has been marred by legal controversies and inconsistent performance.
Having played just 19 games over three seasons, Watson is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon during rehabilitation. This latest setback raises concerns about his long-term future and the Browns’ decision to trade for him.
Watson’s Popeyes chicken sandwich story serves as a reminder of the human side of professional sports. While his comment was made in jest, it captured the imagination of fans, providing both humor and a sense of relatability. As Watson continues to face challenges in his career, fans remain hopeful-perhaps with a side of spicy chicken sandwiches to go with it.
Read the full article here
