Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson Press Conference — June 10th, 2026

[4:36] My fault, yeah. [4:37] You got a lot of the coaches to talk about how. [4:42] Where do you think that's going? [4:47] I'm a man of my words. [4:49] If I say I'm dedicating everything I have to be great, [4:52] then that's just what I'm going to do. [4:53] So I think now you're going to understand I'm a man of my word a little bit more. [4:57] Shinder, as far as on the field as a quarterback, [5:00] what's the way Todd maybe has helped you and benefited you the most [5:06] in what you do on the field? [5:09] I'd say relationship. [5:10] I never want to let my coaches down at all at any point. [5:13] Even if it may look like a good day, if I know internally [5:17] it's a couple things I messed up on, it's just a relationship. [5:21] That's what I'm based off of, and that's what I appreciate a lot, [5:24] all these coaches having that relationship, [5:27] and we know everything coming from a get-better standpoint [5:30] and just being able to talk. [5:32] So if I miss a throw out there, it's like, dang, I don't even want to talk to the coach. [5:35] I'm like, I let him down. [5:38] But I think that's just how we all feel on this team. [5:41] Like, we love Coach Munkin and all the coaches that's with him. [5:45] How would you assess the way the competition is going with you and Deshaun? [5:51] I don't think I'm a judge. [5:53] I'm not a judge. [5:55] Todd made it sound like yesterday, like the competition is going to continue to train. [6:01] So how do you prepare yourself, either mentally and physically, [6:05] for coming back six weeks from now and duking it out for that spot? [6:08] See, I think the way how y'all look at things is different than how we look at things. [6:14] We look at coming to practice every day being the best player we can be as an individual [6:18] and as a good teammate. [6:21] Y'all look at it as like a competition. [6:24] It's like I don't really – that's not really nothing I'm just focused on. [6:27] I'm focused on developing as a player, like doing everything, [6:30] getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme [6:33] and playing with that confidence I had. [6:36] And so I think that's all I'm really looking for in trying to improve every day, [6:41] whether it's mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. [6:45] Like I'm just trying to be a better person every day. [6:47] And wherever that falls into place, it will fall into place. [6:51] We've seen Todd not afraid to just – if there's a mistake, pre-snap or whatever. [6:57] He'll stop the play and make you guys reset. [7:00] He coaches you up hard during practice. [7:03] You know, what is that – I guess what's your view of that? [7:08] How much does that help you when you have a head coach that's, you know, [7:13] not afraid to, you know, set expectations in the middle of a practice like that? [7:17] Seems like something familiar I was used to. [7:20] It seems like a guy that I'm real familiar with. [7:24] So I enjoy it, you know. [7:26] I definitely like his expectations he has for us. [7:33] And it gives you no choice but to be great or to get out of the way. [7:37] You know, I think it's just that simple. [7:39] Do you plan on hosting a workout prior to training camp with teammates? [7:45] Or are you going to attend Deshaun's? [7:47] What do you mean attend Deshaun's? [7:49] Do you think he's having a workout for a teammate? [7:53] Stop floating. [7:54] I just think that was just a question to try to start something, honestly. [7:57] I think we're a team. [8:00] If one of us chooses to do something, we're all going to do it together as a team. [8:03] It's not no individual thing. [8:05] So that's the thing. [8:06] Like, the quarterback room, like, we all connected. [8:08] We all cool. [8:10] That's the difference. [8:10] Like, we all cool. [8:11] We all communicate with each other. [8:13] Hey, there's nobody's single individual idea because that creates separation with, [8:17] okay, now what receiver is going to show up for this guy? [8:20] Nah, we're all a team. [8:21] We're all going to come as one. [8:22] We're all going to get together as one team and get things done. [8:26] Because then that's what separates, that causes separation and just a messed up vibe. [8:31] And it's like, that's not really what we own this year. [8:33] We own, like, being a great team. [8:37] How does this offense benefit your skill set? [8:42] I think if it's a football field and ability to have a chance to play, [8:46] that's going to benefit anything. [8:48] I don't think it's really about just the offense. [8:51] I don't think I think about things I can't control, you know. [8:55] If I was in a wing tee, I have no choice but to execute a wing tee offense, you know. [9:01] So, it's like, I don't think about those things. [9:03] I think about, okay, this is the objective. [9:05] This is where I got to learn. [9:06] This is what I got to do. [9:07] And I got to maximize everything I can in this position. [9:10] Obviously, you've had a little crazy with Denzel. [9:21] Yeah, I think it's great, honestly. [9:24] Being able to have conversation with those guys and how they see stuff. [9:27] It's a lot of different perspectives coming from different places. [9:31] And we all talk about it, even the quarterbacks. [9:33] We all view things differently so that we all help each other out. [9:36] Like, hey, you may want to do this, drop on this. [9:39] You know, or you may want to hitch when you do this. [9:40] Or if you see this, let's probably just get into that. [9:43] So, it's like everybody just communicates more, I say, and talk to each other. [9:48] So, what about the new in front of you, too? [9:51] Is it a similar process? [9:53] Yeah, the new line, they're really cool. [9:56] So, we definitely have a lot of things in common that we talk about, you know. [10:03] And I think it's real cool. [10:05] I think they really go out of their way, you know, just to connect with everybody. [10:11] And I think it's natural also. [10:12] I think we have a lot of, like, cool activities that we're all going to get together, [10:18] either individually, you know, or as, like, a big group and, like, do. [10:22] So, it's like the team, honestly, is, like, real fun. [10:25] It's real exciting to be around. [10:27] Like, it's not really a dull moment when you have all these different players, [10:32] personalities, everything. [10:33] So, it never feels like work, you know. [10:35] It never feels like you're going out here in this long days. [10:39] You look at everything like it's fun and it's a game. [10:43] Alex said that the energy around here is just different right now in terms of, like, [10:47] guys chattering back and forth, offense, defense. [10:50] You even said that Todd Mumpkin's kind of got into some of the trash. [10:53] How do you feel, like, the energy has been both offensively and defensively around? [10:58] Yeah, it's definitely competitive. [11:00] It's definitely competitive, and I like that type of game because that's when the pressure's high. [11:09] That's when it brings the best out of everybody. [11:11] We are competitors, so it brings the best out of, like, even the coaches. [11:15] They be talking to the players sometimes, so it's just real fun. [11:19] The energy every day is fun here. [11:21] Shadur, Isaiah got such a late start to his rookie class. [11:26] How much more comfortable does he just look right now kind of being able to go through the entire offseason [11:34] and work with you and Deshaun and all the other quarterbacks? [11:38] I think every rookie out here looks way more comfortable. [11:41] You get what I'm saying? [11:42] Man, we're a team. [11:44] We communicate through different things. [11:46] We know each other's skill set. [11:48] We know what we like, what we don't like. [11:50] I think they get put in great positions to be able to maximize what they do [11:56] and still grow for the things that they need to grow in, even me. [12:00] You know, so we work on those things to individuals every day about what we need to improve [12:06] and we better apply it in that next period. [12:09] Our coach is going to be very mad. [12:11] Sure, I don't think we asked you just, like, at the beginning of the OTAs and whatnot, [12:14] but I know, like, you were standing working out at the facility a lot. [12:17] Even, you know, Andrew Barry and others were talking about how hard you work, [12:21] kind of like working on your body. [12:22] What was the goal in the offseason when it came to just kind of, like, you know, [12:26] working on your body and how do you think it's going to translate to the field? [12:28] Do the same thing I've been doing every year of my life. [12:32] It's no different. [12:33] Y'all just know now. [12:35] But was there anything that you took from your rookie year into the offseason [12:38] that you said, okay, this is what I first want you to work on. [12:41] I want to make sure that that's improved. [12:43] I think I was thinking definitely a different viewpoint of things, [12:46] like understand what everything is. [12:48] So don't really get caught up in the games that life brings. [12:52] Life is just, like, it's revolving every year. [12:56] Same thing, same different tactics, same way. [12:59] Life is the same. [13:00] So it's, like, how do you view things and how do you do things different? [13:03] Going around, what do you give energy to, what do you not? [13:07] How do you keep yourself in a happy place at all times? [13:11] Because we all out here, you know, and it's a blessing just to be here. [13:16] So, like, none of us should ever feel angry, sad, down. [13:22] There's way bigger things to worry about in the grand scheme of life. [13:26] So I just think about that every day. [13:29] I pray a lot. [13:30] I listen to different sermons every day. [13:33] And it, like, gives me a refreshed mind so I can be able to live a happy life every day. [13:38] So I don't even be on media for real. [13:42] Like, I just be chilling. [13:43] I'm going to say two more. [13:44] Coach White, you're in. [13:45] Coach Munchen mentioned they think your footwork has gotten a little quicker in going through progressions. [13:50] Is that something that you've noticed as well and was a point of emphasis for him? [13:54] So I try to make everything, being the best quarterback in the world, a point of emphasis. [14:02] So whatever I need to improve, then I look at that and I try to improve. [14:08] So it's just the whole thing, just being a better person, like, just overall everything. [14:15] So it's not one thing. [14:16] It's when you look at everything as a whole, you understand, okay, this is what I need to get better at. [14:23] And I changed that, you know. [14:25] So everything you can be. [14:30] You were a couple days ago, saw you at the event Cleveland for Christ. [14:35] Can you kind of talk about that and, like, what it means to you? [14:38] Yeah, definitely. [14:39] Like, I really appreciate when our players, like, are passionate about something. [14:45] I'm speaking in general. [14:46] I'm not speaking just about this one thing. [14:48] But, like, I'm really passionate about when our players are, like, super serious about something. [14:54] So it's, like, because I know I like to do some things off the field. [14:59] And I have great support, you know, when it comes to, like, different teammates and different guys, like, showing up and being there. [15:06] And, like, when you show that aspect of, like, all right, this is super serious and the cause of what it's for, it's kind of like I kind of have to show up, you know. [15:15] Just because, like, I believe in God, you know, and I believe that those men that put everything on was called to do that. [15:25] You know, I think I'll never stop what one person's calling is, you know. [15:30] So all I could do is just be a great supporter and do what I can to go and support my teammates and everything. [15:36] So I think it was really exciting that they did that. [15:41] I just got back from out of town, got a haircut, and then I pulled up. [15:46] So I may have got baptized there, maybe. [15:52] Or I may just get baptized in my dad's pool at home. [15:54] I don't know. [15:55] Who knows? [15:57] But it was super cool. [15:58] It was super exciting, though. [16:00] I'm just really happy and thankful. [16:02] And I look at them and tell them, like, you know, I appreciate them. [16:05] And, like, we have those serious talks just about, like, Jesus, about God in the locker room. [16:09] And I think it's real cool. [16:11] Appreciate it. [16:13] Appreciate it. [16:13] Thank you. [16:14] Thank you. [16:15] Good, good. [31:10] Yeah, definitely. [31:12] It's been a while. [31:13] Come back out here and win this starting job after inspired here. [31:25] I mean, it's a blessing. [31:26] It's great. [31:27] Anytime you get the opportunity to play in the National Football League, [31:30] it's an honor. [31:32] So, you know, I don't take it for granted. [31:34] You know, I work hard to do what I need to do each and every day [31:37] to just try to put out the best, you know, product I can on the field. [31:41] Sean, where's your mindset just entering, you know, the final year of your contract, [31:46] obviously, everything that's going on injury-wise over the past two years, [31:49] really the past couple years. [31:50] Just where are you at mentally, your mindset? [31:52] How are you just approaching it all? [31:54] I'm great mentally. [31:55] I'm in a great space. [31:57] You know, my home is good. [31:59] Me and my wife is doing a heck of a job, you know, [32:02] just working each and every day mentally to just stay on top of what we need to stay on top of. [32:06] So I appreciate her. [32:08] I appreciate the staff and the organization for always, you know, having my back. [32:12] And, yeah, I'm in a good space, enjoying myself out here, [32:15] enjoying my teammates and the new coaching staff. [32:18] So I'm in a great space. [32:20] What was the last year and a half like for you since that injury in that Bengals game? [32:26] I mean, it was a lot of ups and downs. [32:29] You know, I learned a lot about myself. [32:32] Learned that, you know, you just got to be patient. [32:34] Just keep working, keep pushing, keep pushing forward. [32:37] But, you know, I've always kind of had that mentality since I was a kid, you know, growing up. [32:41] So it wasn't anything, you know, new for me. [32:44] The situation and environment was probably new, just being with the type of injuries that I had. [32:50] But outside of that, you know, just keep pushing, keep pushing forward. [32:54] That's how life go. [32:55] Life is going to continue to go on. [32:56] So, yeah, it's been, it's been tough. [32:59] But at the same time, you know, I was able to grow and learn. [33:02] Deshaun, was there ever a thought, I mean, you talk about the ups and downs. [33:06] Was there ever a fear in the back of your mind? [33:08] It's like, am I going to ever be able to get back out there and get an opportunity to play this game? [33:14] No, no, never was a thought. [33:17] Deshaun, the last time we saw you on the field, you were rupturing your Achilles. [33:23] And you got some boos from some fans. [33:28] How do you, and now there still are some fans that don't necessarily seem to be in your corner. [33:35] How, as you move forward and maybe become a starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, [33:40] how do you reconcile or grapple with the notion that, you know, [33:44] maybe you don't have all the support that you would hope that you would have from Cleveland Browns fans? [33:51] You know, at the end of the day, I can't control what, you know, people support. [33:55] You know, I think that's their own opinions. [33:57] You know, I think that all I can do is just put out the best person I am, [34:01] showcase who I am as a person, as a player, as a teammate. [34:04] And what I represent as an individual. [34:07] So, outside of that, you know, I can't focus on, you know, what the outside is saying or what they, you know, [34:13] I have no control over that other than just putting out the best, you know, [34:17] product that I can put out as a person and as a player. [34:20] Deshaun, do you have any emotions with that, obviously, like, [34:23] like I know a lot of your teammates kind of spoke out about that, how frustrated they were. [34:27] I mean, yeah, I had emotions at the time, but, you know, you grow, you grow out of it. [34:37] Yesterday, that monkey said this competition is too close to call. [34:41] Do you feel that, right? [34:43] I just come and show up every day, you know, so I can't control, you know, coaches. [34:47] He's the head coach. [34:48] He's the one calling the plays, and, you know, he got to decide who he wants out there on the field. [34:53] So, at the end of the day, I got to just show up each and every day and be ready, you know, [34:57] and wait for my numbers call. [34:58] Sean, coming out to both the Achilles, how important is it to you to get a chance to start again? [35:03] I mean, it's very important. [35:08] I think each and every person that walks into the locker room should have that mindset [35:13] that you want to start in this league. [35:14] That's why we show up each and every day, is to be able to go out there [35:17] and be able to perform on Sundays or whatever that day is. [35:21] So, yeah, it's definitely the main focus of why, you know, [35:26] I work hard to be able to come back the way I do. [35:28] So, how does this system fit you versus the last few installments of the MFCs? [35:33] You know, it's a lot of responsibility on the quarterbacks in the system, [35:37] and I think that that's what I had in Houston when I was with Bill O'Brien. [35:41] It was, you know, pretty much that Tom Brady tree, [35:43] and everything relied on the quarterback operation. [35:46] So, with Monk, he's given a lot of responsibility to us, [35:50] and, you know, you got to own up to the responsibilities and the situations [35:54] and what you decide to do on the field, [35:56] and I think that's something that I'm very comfortable with. [35:59] It's been a while since you've been on the field competing. [36:02] So, how are you doing here today? [36:05] I'm doing well. I'm doing great. [36:07] So, will you look at the way that your first three seasons here went? [36:12] If you get back out onto the field as the starting quarterback for Cleveland Grounds, [36:15] do you think that you will have a better opportunity to be successful at it, [36:20] given everything around you, given the time up in the system, given the support in the past? [36:25] Do you think that this will be a chance to show who the real Deshaun Watson is here? [36:29] Of course. [36:31] The only reason I really say that is because, you know, it's the next opportunity. [36:35] I can't look in the past. [36:37] I can't look in the rearview mirror. [36:38] You know, obviously, you know those situations and you have those experiences, [36:42] but at the same time, you got to keep pushing forward. [36:44] So, my mentality is one day at a time and for love. [36:49] And I think you guys have seen it on social media. [36:51] Focus only on victories every day. [36:53] And so, that's all I'm focused on is just being able to keep pushing forward and keep stepping forward. [36:57] And if I keep, you know, stepping forward and standing, you know, ten toes down, then I'll be good. [37:01] I know you said that you didn't have any doubts in your mind that you were worried about never playing again, [37:08] but I guess were there any doubts about if you would get another chance in Cleveland to be the starting quarterback? [37:13] Um, no. And that's just from internal conversations. [37:20] And you thought about what you want to do since this is your last year contract. [37:25] What do you want to be doing in 2027? [37:28] I don't know. I'm trying to play a full season, man. [37:31] I'm just trying to be healthy so I can play all 17-plus games. [37:35] So, I don't know what's going to happen at that time. [37:39] Do you think that you're there yet to play like a full season? [37:42] Like, do you feel ready for them? [37:44] Almost definitely. I do. You know, so I feel good. [37:47] Even though you've only been able to play 19 games for the Browns, [37:51] you're the longest tenured offensive player on the team. [37:54] Does that feel strange to you at all? [37:56] Yeah, it was a lot of new faces walking in. [37:59] So, it was different, but I think you can take that wisdom [38:04] and just kind of those experiences we've been going through [38:06] and, you know, and try to put some positivity in all the young guys and the new guys. [38:11] And, you know, with those guys not really having those experiences [38:14] that we had the last couple years, you know, it's fresh minds and fresh opportunities. [38:18] So, I think those guys are coming out here and competing. [38:20] They don't really know what happened, [38:22] but it's a new opportunity for us to be able to change that narrative. [38:25] There's so much time off this year to think, like you said, think, to grow. [38:29] You got married. You got Jilly. Things are different. [38:32] How are you a different person than you were the last time we saw you here playing football? [38:40] I think the biggest thing is, you know, I just kind of – I'm an introvert now, [38:44] so I don't really get into all the outside stuff and noise like I used to. [38:49] I used to be a social person back in the day and kind of, you know, more open. [38:54] But now I just kind of watch in my surroundings and, you know, my moves [38:59] and just kind of focus on the things that I need to focus on. [39:02] And that's the ones that, you know, I really got love for and people that support me. [39:06] Sean, I'll add to the question about you physically to – [39:09] you being physically able to play a full season. [39:11] Would you say you're at 100%? [39:12] And, like, were you dealing with anything from the shoulder surgery [39:16] back when you made those seven starts in 2024? [39:20] I could say that now I'm fully healthy. I'm ready to go. [39:24] It's last year I was able to conquer that. [39:26] And then I just say I haven't really been – I haven't been 100% since that Tennessee game in 23. [39:33] Sean, going back to Todd, I mean, what makes him unique in terms of the coaches you've had you've worked with? [39:40] Not just offensively, but specifically as a quarterback. [39:44] How is a quarterback? [39:46] I think what makes him unique is that he's worked with so many different guys. [39:51] So it's not just a dual-threat guy or a pocket passer or whatever, you know, you want to categorize, you know, the quarterback. [39:58] I think he's just open to being able to relate to the players. [40:01] And I think from my experience, what I've been around in the last couple weeks is that I think being at Georgia, [40:09] being at the college level, you kind of got to be, you know, more player-led because those guys are really looking up to you. [40:14] But when you get to this level, he can relate to everyone. [40:17] He can communicate with everyone. [40:18] He can socialize with everyone, and I think that's been a plus for this locker room and team, especially the young guys. [40:23] We'll be able to turn back time. [40:24] Let's do Tony, Spencer, and then I think Kelsey got one in Daniel, and then the last one from Jeff. [40:29] We can't turn back time, but given all you've been for, are you in a better place now than when you first arrived to Cleveland? [40:36] Before the years of this? [40:37] Of course. [40:38] Of course. [40:38] There was a lot going on. [40:40] So, yeah, I'm in a way better space, and I've matured. [40:45] I'm in a great position, and, again, like, I'm in a great space, so I'm enjoying life. [40:53] Deshaun, we didn't get the chance to talk to you obviously last year, [40:55] but we heard about some of your impact behind the scenes. [40:59] Now you're in a direct competition with Michigan, but just what's your relationship been like sort of with him [41:05] from last year when he got here to now, and now that you guys are out there? [41:08] I mean, it's been good. [41:09] I think from the time he got drafted, the relationship and conversations has been growing, even during pre-draft. [41:16] And I've known the Sanders family. [41:18] I've known his brother all the way back when he was at SMU when Coach Chad Morris, he was the coach there. [41:23] I used to go out there, and I used to hang out with the team, and his brother was one of the players. [41:29] So, you know, the man and his family got a good relationship, and, you know, we always just try to pull for each other. [41:35] So, you know, we both have the opportunity to go out there and put out the best product for the team [41:39] and let Munkin and the organization choose who can go out there, and we're going to support each other. [41:43] Sean, you've been doing everything around your organization. [41:48] How helpful has that been, not only learning the new offense field with staff, [41:53] but also getting the chance to be on the field in different reps? [41:57] It's been awesome. [41:58] It's been great, especially being off the field for the last year and a half, two years. [42:02] Anytime you get the opportunity to go out there and just compete and just cut it loose, it's been awesome. [42:07] So, you know, I think the biggest thing for me is just going out there and just reacting, cutting it loose. [42:13] Don't get too worried into making mistakes. [42:16] That's part of the game. [42:17] That's part of this period of where we're in. [42:19] So, again, I'm having fun. [42:21] I'm enjoying the guys. [42:23] I'm enjoying the locker room. [42:25] I'm hanging out with the guys outside the building. [42:27] It's been a good nine, ten weeks for sure. [42:30] Sean, do you feel like you are equipped because you have heard things or different things like that? [42:36] Do you feel like you would be equipped to emotionally handle all these cheers that will probably be out there for Chagur in the event that you're out there starting? [42:46] I mean, do you feel like you are up for whatever is going to come when you win this or if you win the starting job? [42:54] Again, like I said, I can't control what the fans and how they, you know, approach me or approach any other person that walks out there. [43:01] But at the end of the day, when I step in between the lines, I got to lock in on the task at hand. [43:05] And that's just winning and being successful. [43:07] And so, you know, that's my mentality is in between the lines, just block out the good or the bad, whatever comes with it, [43:14] and just go out there and execute and play at a high level and try my best to win the game for us. [43:19] How satisfying would it be for you, Deshaun, if you could replicate that amazing 2020 season after everything you've done? [43:29] I'm not trying to really replicate the 2020. [43:34] I'm a different person, you know. [43:35] I'm older, more wise. [43:38] So I think at the same time, I know everyone wants to, you know, rewind the clock back, but we can't do that. [43:44] So at the end of the day, I just got to focus on being the best product and being the best player I can for, you know, [43:50] Deshaun Watson as a Cleveland Browner, as a Cleveland Brown player. [43:54] So that's all I'm focusing on. [43:56] Deshaun, last year at the owners meeting, Kimmy Haslam was kind of talking about the struggles of the team. [44:00] And he said, you know, the trade for you was a big swing and a miss. [44:04] And he, you know, a couple months ago, he said maybe he shouldn't do those comments exactly. [44:09] But if you hear those comments, do you have any reaction? [44:11] And just what is the, how would you describe the nature of the relationship with the organization, [44:16] especially given how, you know, the past couple of years hasn't gone, how you or the team has been expected? [44:20] I mean, the relationship is great. [44:22] I mean, Miss D, D, Jimmy, they're at my wedding. [44:26] We talk all the time. [44:27] He calls me whenever. [44:28] You know, it happens and things like that. [44:31] You know, one of my favorite baseball players that I've been watching is Bryce Harper. [44:35] Sometimes he swings, but he stands back up and he gets an opportunity and he hits his own run. [44:39] So you never know what the opportunity might show up. [44:42] And that's what I have right now. [44:44] Thank you all. [44:44] Thanks a lot. [44:45] Appreciate it. [44:46] Thanks. [44:47] It's nice seeing you guys. [44:48] 20? [44:48] 20 months. [44:49] That's what you're doing. [44:50] Yes, that's great. [44:51] Thank you. [44:51] Thank you. [44:52] Thank you. [44:52] Thank you. [44:52] Thank you.