Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson announced the passing of his estranged father, Don Richardson, on social media Friday. Watson will play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys with a heavy heart.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will take to the field on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys with a heavy heart following the passing of his estranged father, Don Richardson.
Watson announced the news on Instagram on Friday, posting a brief message that read, "Rest in Peace Pops."
Deshaun Watson to Play with Heavy Heart After Father's Passing
The 28-year-old quarterback had a strained relationship with his father, reportedly seeing him only a handful of times throughout his upbringing. Watson's mother, Deann Watson, was his primary caregiver.
"Maybe five (times), at the most," Watson told the Houston Chronicle in 2017. "My mom was basically my mother and father, so I didn't really pay too much attention to it. My friends had fathers. But, for me, it was just kind of, 'Hey, my mother is the one that I'm going to rely on and I'll always focus on.' "
Deshaun Watson to Play with Heavy Heart After Father's Passing
Watson's estranged relationship with his father led him to adopt his mother's maiden name.
In addition to the personal adversity he is facing, Watson is also navigating a challenging season professionally. After serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 for alleged sexual misconduct, Watson returned to the Browns but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in November.
Watson started the 2023 season with a promising 5-1 record but has struggled since returning from injury, leading the Browns to a 2-4 record in their last six games.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains determined to lead the Browns to success. He is expected to start against the Cowboys on Sunday, hoping to turn his team's fortunes around and honor the memory of his late father.
Here are some additional details about Deshaun Watson's life and career:
* Born September 14, 1994, in Gainesville, Georgia
* Attended Clemson University, where he led the Tigers to a national championship in 2016
* Drafted by the Houston Texans with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft
* Named to three Pro Bowls with the Texans (2018, 2019, 2020)
* Traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022
* Suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season for alleged sexual misconduct
* Led the Browns to a 5-1 start in 2023 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury
* Returned from injury in 2023 and has led the Browns to a 2-4 record in six games
