CHARLOTTE, NC — The quarterback brotherhood doesn’t stay silent for long—especially when it comes to defending one of its own. Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has ignited a fresh wave of headlines after publicly clapping back at Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam over what Newton calls an “underrated and unnecessary” dig at quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The spark? Haslam’s recent comments during an offseason press conference, in which he appeared to question Watson’s value and leadership after another injury-shortened, inconsistent season in Cleveland.
“We’ve made a significant investment in Deshaun, but to this point, it hasn’t translated into the kind of elite performance we expected,” Haslam said. “You can’t pay top-tier and get mid-tier results. That’s the reality.”
The remark, subtle yet scathing, didn’t sit well with Newton—who wasted no time defending Watson in a viral interview clip that has since dominated social media.
Cam Comes Swinging
Speaking on his weekly podcast 4th & 1 with Cam, the former Carolina Panthers star didn’t hold back:
“I’m gonna say this loud and clear—Deshaun Watson is being disrespected, period,” Newton said. “People act like he forgot how to play football. Y’all love to mention the contract, but you don’t mention the surgeries, the rust, the mess he walked into. And for an owner to shade his own QB in public? That’s weak.”
Newton, who has had his own career defined by highs, lows, and harsh media scrutiny, was clearly emotional as he continued his defense.
“This man was out the game for a year and some change. He’s still healing, mentally and physically. And let’s not forget, Deshaun Watson at his peak is top-five, easy. Y’all really underrating him like he won’t remind you next season.”
A Broader Conversation
While Newton’s response was fiery, it touched on a deeper issue swirling around Watson’s career: Can he ever return to elite form? And just how much patience will the Browns—and their fan base—give him?
Watson, who signed a record-breaking $230 million fully guaranteed deal with the Browns in 2022, has played in only 12 games across two seasons, plagued by shoulder injuries and inconsistent performances. Yet in moments, flashes of the old Deshaun—visionary throws, instinctive escapes, precise reads—have sparked hope that the real comeback is still ahead.
Still, Cleveland’s patience is being tested, and Haslam’s comment appeared to signal a shift from optimism to public pressure.
Mixed Reactions Across the League
Newton’s remarks drew a mixed but largely supportive reaction from players and fans. Several current and former players voiced agreement, including Texans linebacker Christian Harris, who tweeted:
“Don’t sleep on D4. He’s still HIM.”
Analysts, however, were more divided. NFL Network’s Rich Eisen noted,
“Cam is right to defend Deshaun, but owners have a right to expect returns on investment. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.”
Still, others saw Haslam’s comments as a strategic nudge—a way to stoke the fire in a QB who once thrived on proving doubters wrong.
Watson’s Response? Silence—So Far
As of Sunday evening, Deshaun Watson has not responded publicly to either Haslam’s criticism or Newton’s support. However, sources close to the quarterback say he’s “laser-focused” on rehab and preparation for the 2025 season, determined to silence the doubters the only way he knows how—on the field.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski attempted to cool the controversy when asked about the situation:
“Deshaun is locked in. We’ve had good talks. We believe in him, and we expect him to be our guy in 2025.”
The Bigger Picture
Cam Newton’s defense of Deshaun Watson isn’t just about football—it’s about the culture of criticism, expectations, and support in a league that often forgets players are human.
“Let that man cook,” Newton concluded. “Y’all gonna see. When he gets back to full speed, he’s gonna remind every last one of you why he got that contract.”
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, one thing is certain: the spotlight on Watson has never been hotter—and thanks to Cam Newton,
the conversation just got a whole lot louder.
