Yahoo Finance Deshaun Watson asks Houston fans to call off march to support him due to safety reasons
Houston Texans fans wanted to march to NRG Stadium on Monday to stand behind Deshaun Watson, whose relationship with the team has reportedly deteriorated.
While Watson appreciates the sentiment, he asked the fans to reconsider.
Watson tweeted that he’d like the organizers to cancel due to public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’m hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today. Although I am humbled I ask that whoever is organizing the march cancel for the sake of public safety. Covid is spreading at a high rate & I don’t want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) January 18, 2021
While that’s a prudent approach by the star quarterback, the whole story of how the Texans have ruined their relationship with Watson is more telling.
Watson reportedly isn’t happy with the direction of the franchise, most notably that any input he offered on the search for the new general manager and coach has been ignored. Most of the angst has been directed at Jack Easterby, a pastor and character coach with the New England Patriots who somehow rose to the job of executive vice president of football operations last year. Many, most notably Texans legend Andre Johnson, have voiced their criticisms of the franchise. There has been plenty of speculation that Watson could be traded.
It’s hard to find a franchise quarterback, and it would be crushing to see him traded away — especially after the Houston Rockets just traded unhappy star James Harden — so fans organized a rally.
Tomorrow at 11 am we are going to meet @eatleftys to start the rally (not protest) than we will walk down Kirby to the bull at NRG
This is a peaceful rally, please wear masks! Thank you everybody who has supported this!
See you at 11 am! #IStandWith4 (updated flyer) pic.twitter.com/cQbRHwGnf3— Just Some Dude (@HoustonFBpodguy) January 18, 2021
Basically, it’s a mess.
The Texans’ drama has gotten a lot of attention already this month and the Watson situation will be one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason. Texans fans are trying anything to get Watson to remain in Houston. At least he noticed their effort.
More from Yahoo Sports:
