Deshaun Watson faces his burden of proof on field in Cleveland

Throughout their history in the National Football League, African American quarterbacks have always faced one burden of proof or another, whether proving they were smart enough to play the position or possessed sufficient leadership skills.

This year is no exception.

From Lamar Jackson having to prove that he can lead his team to a championship to Jalen Hurts continuing to prove his championship mettle to Jayden Daniels proving he is no flash in the pan, Black quarterbacks face the existential challenge of having to prove themselves.

This season, Andscape will document the ups and downs of this Black quarterback fraternity and how each of them is carrying their specific burden of proof.

First is Deshaun Watson, who is back as the starter with the Cleveland Browns after a tumultuous half decade. Acquired by the Browns in a 2022 trade with the Houston Texans, Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions while he was a member of the Texans. Watson has played just 20 games with Cleveland in five seasons due to suspension (11 games in 2022) or injury (shoulder surgery in 2023, Achilles surgeries in 2024 and 2025).

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