Browns QB Deshaun Watson says he respects the Texans, McNair family
Deshaun Watson will make his debut as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback in the city where his NFL career began. Watson, a former first-round pick in 2017, returns with the Browns against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
Watson served an 11-game suspension and his return comes after being traded from Houston in the offseason, marking the end of a nearly 14-month standoff between the organization and the 2020 NFL passing champion.
RELATED: Browns QB Deshaun Watson won't talk about past, focuses on football
On Thursday, the three-time Pro Bowler met with the Cleveland media and stated he is excited to get back on the gridiron.
He also discussed the McNair family and his time in Houston.
"I am excited to just play football in general in front of Cleveland Browns fans but also in front of some of the Houston Texans fans," Watson said. "I respect the whole organization of the Houston Texans. I respect the McNair family. I respect everyone that was there that drafted me in 2017. It has been great memories and fun memories."
PREDICTIONS: Who will win in Week 13 between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans?
Watson indicated he still has friends, family, and a home still in Space City.
"I am excited to get in front all of those fans. I have so much love for the City of Houston and H-Town, and everyone in that city pretty much knows that," said Watson. "I am excited to do that, but the most important thing is I am excited to be in front of the Cleveland Browns fans for sure."
When Watson was with the Texans, he held a 2-1 record against the Browns. His most recent game, a 10-7 loss, came as the Texans' quarterback on Nov. 15, 2020 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
The loss marked two straight losses Houston has endured against the Browns. Houston's last win over Cleveland was on Dec. 2, 2018, at NRG Stadium.