(Cleveland) Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for 11 games last season after violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, has been voted by his teammates as one of five Cleveland Browns captains.
Watson had been suspended by the league after about 20 women accused him of sexual assault and sexual harassment during massage therapy sessions while he was playing for the Houston Texans.
Defensive end Myles Garrett, guard Joel Bitonio, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and long snapper Charley Hughlett were also voted captains in a vote announced after practice on Thursday.
Watson is the team’s only new captain in 2023 and coach Kevin Stefanski said the honor was deserved.
“Deshaun is a natural leader,” Stefanski said. I think he is comfortable in this role. He is comfortable leading and sharing success with his teammates. He’s done this all his life. The way he has integrated into our football team is impressive. »
The Browns faced a lot of criticism when they acquired Watson in March 2022 and then gave him a contract extension worth a guaranteed $230 million.