The Cleveland Browns have announced their team captains for the 2023 NFL season. As head coach Kevin Stefanski announced, the choice fell on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for eleven games last year.
Watson is entering his first full season in Cleveland this season and appears to have earned the respect of his teammates who, among other things, voted for him. Meanwhile, the other team captains are guard Joel Bitonio, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., edge rusher Myles Garrett and long snapper Charley Hughlett.
“It’s very, very natural for Deshaun to be the leader,” Stefanski told reporters. “And I think he’s comfortable leading as a leader. I think he’s comfortable leading and letting his teammates shine. It’s just something he’s always done his whole life. And the way he has integrated into this team is just impressive to see.”
Watson was suspended for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy after more than 20 masseuses accused him of sexually assaulting him during massage sessions. A total of 25 civil lawsuits were pending against Watson, two of which are pending, while he has settled 23 cases out of court.
After his suspension ended, he played six more games for the Browns and put in mixed performances. The team’s record in those games was 3-3. The team had previously brought him to Ohio from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster trade.
Watson was once the 12th pick overall in the 2017 draft and upon his arrival in Cleveland was handed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract – the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history.