Brady Quinn refuses to let Deshaun Watson be a sympathetic figure

As many NFL people appear hell-bent on turning Deshaun Watson into a sympathetic figure, Brady Quinn has no interest in feeling bad for the Cleveland Browns quarterback.

While leading the Browns to a 3-1 start this season, Watson is playing some of his best football in six years, setting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns with the Houston Texans. But after years of failing to take accountability for his actions, some in the media have mistaken Watson’s career revival for a feel-good comeback story. Former Browns quarterback and current Fox Sports Radio host Brady Quinn, however, isn’t buying the attempted PR spin.

“STOP throwing a pity party for what’s happened in the past for yourself. You won a game; make it about everyone besides YOU because, quite frankly, you’re on a really good team!”

– @Brady_Quinn on the Deshaun Watson PR spin. pic.twitter.com/Wab9BaPcmy

— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) October 2, 2026

“I’m not sure what PR spin they’re trying to put on or revisionist history they’re trying to make,” Quinn said. “Anything he endured in the past, he brought on himself. I mean, there’s not one part of the adversity he faced that he shouldn’t have been solely responsible for. Here’s the unfortunate part of this: we’re going to keep talking about this because they’re going to keep bringing it up. And we’re going to have to keep addressing it and acknowledging it. Dude, stop throwing a pity party for what’s happened in the past for yourself, you won a game, make it about the team, make it about everyone besides you.

Quinn went on to note it should be especially easy for Watson to make it about the Browns, because their recent winning streak has been about the team, not one player.

“This isn’t Lamar Jackson in college running around carrying Louisville or at times carrying Baltimore. You are there, and you’re being successful because of the help you have around you. I hope he stops with trying to get people to feel bad for him.”

Watson’s downfall began when dozens of women accused him of sexual misconduct in lawsuits the quarterback has since settled. After those settlements, Watson has shown little remorse or willingness to accept accountability. Despite the accusations and settlements, Watson earned a fully guaranteed contract with the Browns worth $230 million five years ago. And since signing the contract, Watson has battled with Browns fans and failed to stay healthy. And when he is healthy, he’s been a really bad quarterback.

It’s great for Browns fans that they have a team to root for right now. But the Browns being a feel-good story doesn’t have to mean celebrating Watson’s comeback. He can play football without becoming a sympathetic figure. And despite recent attempts, Watson shouldn’t be receiving sympathy for creating his own adversity.