Deshaun Watson's leadership criticized by ex-Browns running back: "Coaches were informed I didn't understand the play"

Watson was called out by Jordan Wilkins on Instagram.

Deshaun Watson's leadership criticized by ex-Browns running back: "Coaches were informed I didn't understand the play"
Deshaun Watson's leadership criticized by ex-Browns running back: "Coaches were informed I didn't understand the play"

Deshaun Watson, the former quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, was criticized by Jordan Wilkins, a former running back, for lacking leadership qualities typically found in a franchise signal-caller.

Watson, who is currently facing a lawsuit for alleged sexual assault of a woman while playing for the Houston Texans, was questioned about his leadership on Wednesday. He responded with confidence.

Watson stated to a reporter that the trust has always existed, and he believes the guys trust him. If there is anything out there, any of them would give an honest answer.

I can't speak for anyone else, but based on what the guys have shown me and what they've told me, and the way they shake my hand and come to my locker and give me a high-five on the field, I can say that they trust me.

Jordan Wilkins fakes hand off
Cleveland Browns running back Jordan Wilkins (20) fakes a handoff to quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)

"You can easily recognize my aura, energy, and character when you're around me every day. I believe you'll comprehend my true self."

In 2023, Wilkins, who briefly played for the Browns, shared a screenshot of Watson's quote about his "aura" on X and added his own caption.

"Sure, bro. Watch the next slide and let me know," Wilkins wrote. "This was the final preseason game to make the roster."

In the next clip, Wilkins implies that Watson's fumble during the preseason game was due to a bad exchange, as shown in a video of Watson handing the ball off to him.

Watson allegedly informed the Browns' coaches that Wilkins was unaware of the plays, resulting in the fumbles.

"He captioned his Instagram story with a thinking emoji, saying he went to the sideline and told the coaches he didn't know the play. It happened again on the next drive."

Jordan Wilkins fumbles hand off from Deshaun Watson
Cleveland Browns running back Jordan Wilkins (20) fumbles a handoff from wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley/USA Today Sports)

A new lawsuit against Watson in Houston has raised questions about his leadership, with Tony Buzbee, the lawyer who filed many of the previous sexual misconduct lawsuits against him, representing the plaintiff.

On Monday, Jane Doe filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages, alleging she was sexually assaulted on a day they were supposed to go on a date in October 2020.

Watson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that his client denied the accusations.

Deshaun has denied the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday, and we believe he will ultimately be vindicated. We have requested that he refrain from commenting further on the matter while it proceeds through the courts.

We will defend this case in court when the time is right, but we won't conduct our defense in the media. We kindly request that everyone wait for the legal process to unfold.

Deshaun Watson looks on
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson walks onto the field before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns Stadium.  (Scott Galvin/USA Today Sports)

"In the interim, Deshaun will direct his efforts and attention towards football."

The Browns plan to start Watson in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars following a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys where Watson passed for only 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

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by Scott Thompson

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