Cloud over Browns' Deshaun Watson not visible as quarterback makes memories for young fans

BEREA — When Tanner Hall and Barrett Radel lined up with a group of kids after the Browns’ first open training camp practice Saturday, they had no idea what was in store.

Minutes later, they were playing rock, paper, scissors with quarterback Deshaun Watson for one of his autographed cleats.

Hall, 10, of Alliance, was the first recipient, and his mouth was agape as Watson signed the shoe. Radel, 9, of Hartville, was just as delighted.

Asked if he was putting it in his room, Radel agreed, but his mother suggested he might sleep with it.

“The football fairy,” Radel said.

Some will gulp at that comparison.

But beneath the blazing sun and blue sky, the fact that Watson faces four civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct during massage appointments after settling 20 others last month was forgotten. The Houston Texans reached a settlement with 30 women who had accused or planned to accuse the team of enabling Watson. Watson awaits a possible league suspension for violation of its personal conduct policy, with a ruling looming from independent arbiter Sue L. Robinson.

Yet the cloud hanging over Watson wasn’t visible Saturday.

He posed for pictures and selfies. He signed footballs for those in line. He engaged and signed autographs for members of the Akron Rubber City Kings, who play at Buchtel Griffin Stadium. The team was presented with a $10,000 check earlier in the day for new helmets, shoulder pads, uniforms and field equipment.

“Thank you for saving us, Deshaun,” one man yelled from the bleachers.

That feeling may not be shared by all.

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Acquired in a March 18 trade, Watson didn’t receive the biggest cheers for plays made during practice. Three long runs by Nick Chubb drew the most applause. The highlight on defense was end Jadeveon Clowney batting down a Watson pass.

The controversy surrounding Watson didn't seem to affect the turnout. A new set of bleachers added about 700 more seats, and while the stands were not packed, an estimated crowd of just over 3,000 attended.

Browns players have spoken since camp opened Wednesday about the team’s new “vibe,” but it wasn’t detectable by those on the sidelines Saturday. Perhaps the feeling is confined to those inside the building at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Even they have struggled to define it.

“It's very hard to explain,” tight end David Njoku said Saturday. “It's just a different feeling. We're going to keep using that energy to keep pushing us every day in practice, to push each other and get better.”

Free safety John Johnson III started such talk on Wednesday, and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah continued it Friday.

“Yeah, the vibe is kind of different man. You know, it's more of a swag,” Owusu-Koramoah said. “I don't know what it is, but we feel like the confidence is there. The team chemistry. It's been there, but again, there’s always levels to it. We’ve got a lot of bonding in.

“It's been a great journey for us, at least from now, until, you know, when we go.”

Watson could be the unmentioned part of that vibe. He received a record-breaking $230 million guaranteed contract from the Browns. Even though he hasn’t played since Jan. 3, 2021, the three-time Pro Bowler is considered one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Those not on board with quarterback Baker Mayfield, the starter the previous four years who was traded to the Carolina Panthers on July 6, believe Watson is the real deal.

Those feelings won’t be affected by Robinson’s ruling. The Browns look at Watson and see a star, just like the enraptured boys who went home with his cleats on Saturday.

Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MRidenourABJ.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Browns Deshaun Watson continues to rehab his image