Deshaun Watson's Father Passes Away Days Before Browns' Season Opener Against Cowboys

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson announced on Instagram that his father has passed away, just two days before the first game of the season against the Dallas Cowboys. Watson's father, Don Richardson, had been estranged from him for much of his life, and further details on his passing and its impact on Watson's status for the game were not immediately available. Watson's message on the post was a simple "Rest in Peace Pops", and it prompted an outpouring of condolences and prayers for him and his family.

Challenging Family Dynamics

Watson's relationship with his father has been complex and challenging. In 2017, he revealed to the Houston Chronicle that he could only remember seeing his father a handful of times during his upbringing in Gainesville, Georgia. Watson stated, "My mom was basically my mother and father,..." He expressed that he relied heavily on his mother, Deann Watson, who raised him and his three siblings on her own after their father left the family.

This season is particularly crucial for Watson after struggling with injuries and off-field issues. He suffered a broken bone in his throwing shoulder during the 2023 season, limiting his on-field performance. Furthermore, his career trajectory has been affected by his tumultuous time in the NFL. Despite his early success and emergence as one of the league's brightest stars, Watson has only played in 12 games since the 2020 season. His absence from the field was partly due to his decision to hold out the entire 2021 season over disputes with the Houston Texans, followed by a suspension in 2022 due to multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.

As the 2024 season unfolds, Watson finds himself at a critical juncture in his career, facing both personal and professional challenges. The loss of his father adds another layer of complexity to navigating this pivotal time in his life and career.