Deshaun Watson has spent most of 2025 on the sideline, but his message has been anything but quiet. In April, the Cleveland Browns quarterback declared that doubts about his future would only fuel him.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone doesn’t believe in me. Everyone doesn’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before,” he said, making clear that he intends to silence critics.
Those words now serve as a rallying cry as Watson recovers from one of the toughest injuries a quarterback can face. Twice in less than a year, he has undergone surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon. The initial tear occurred on October 20, 2024.
A re-rupture in January 2025 forced him back under the knife, wiping out much of his offseason and delaying his return to the field. The Browns have since placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list, ensuring he will miss at least the first four games this fall.
Browns move forward while Watson grinds through rehab
The uncertainty around Watson has reshaped Cleveland’s quarterback room. Joe Flacco, who provided stability late last season, is penciled in as the starter, while the front office continues to explore long-term options. That reality has led to constant speculation about whether the Browns are preparing for a future without their highest-paid player.
Watson, though, has refused to let those narratives define him. His approach has been to let his training do the talking. On Instagram earlier this month, he wrote, “Work always came first.. s- ain’t nun new! More glory,” adding prayer emojis. The caption was brief but intentional-a direct signal that his energy is fixed on the grind and not on outside noise.
The message echoed his comments from April, underscoring his belief that dedication and discipline will determine whether he can recapture the form that once made him one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
The challenge ahead is steep. Achilles injuries are among the most daunting for quarterbacks, especially for those who rely on footwork and mobility. Watson‘s game once thrived on extending plays, escaping pressure, and delivering on the run. A compromised Achilles could alter that style permanently.
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