The last few years have presented significant adversities for Deshaun Watson. Since being traded to the Cleveland Browns, the star quarterback has not stayed on the field for anything close to a full season.
Injuries have contributed to those struggles and they continue to haunt the Browns' play caller. Most recently, it has been an Achilles injury plaguing his journey.
Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7 of the 2024 season and missed the rest of the campaign. Despite these setbacks, NFL analyst Nate Burleson believes that Watson's recent engagement will charter a change in his trajectory.
“I wouldn't be surprised if Deshaun Watson plays his best football that we've seen in a long time,” he said in a conversation with TMZ. “Having stability at home provides a solid foundation on the football field.”
“The reality is, for him, he needs to love, live, and appreciate his union and let everybody else decide how they feel about him publicity. He does not need to prove anything with his relationship."
That is certainly a heartwarming way to look at it, but also very absent-minded at the same time. While Watson's engagement is an emotional and positive story for him, there's hardly any connection to the challenges facing him on the field.
Cleveland's starter has also since suffered a setback in his recovery, putting his status for the 2025 season in doubt. Nothing that happens off the field can change the emotions of handling that circumstance.
So while Burleson's intention is to get heartfelt and put some things in a different perspective, it is a tad ignorant to put those two things together.
The Browns hope to get their franchise quarterback on the field as soon as possible. These injuries have put a damper on their own aspirations they held when they acquired him.
While Watson's engagement may not have a direct impact on the matters on the field, hopefully it can provide some relief as he navigates yet another challenge.
