I am an NFL fan. If there is an NFL game on, am I watching? Absolutely. Does the team
matter? Not particularly, unless it’s the Browns.
Today, Deshaun Watson was named the starting quarterback for the 2026-2027 season for
the city I grew up in. I have many issues with this decision, but my biggest concern comes
from the perspective of being a sexual assault survivor.
After dozens of brave women came forward and shared their experiences, the Cleveland
Browns made the decision that it was in the best interest of their franchise to give Watson a
five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The Browns chose to give someone
accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct more money, more influence, and an
even larger platform.
This past weekend, Watson used that platform to discuss the hatred he receives from the
Browns fanbase and the fact that fans boo him when he plays. From my perspective, that
reaction is understandable and valid. The women who came forward deserved
accountability, and instead, Watson was given one of the largest contracts in NFL history.
I understand this issue in a deeply personal way.
Like the dozens of women who spoke out about Watson, I was also one of many women
who came forward about my perpetrator. Like Watson, my perpetrator used his position of
power (in his case, a doctor) to find and victimize women.
There is, however, a significant difference in our situations. The allegations against Watson
were settled outside of court. My perpetrator was convicted and is currently serving a 158-
year prison sentence for what he did to me and many other women. A jail sentence that is
fair too light for him, and it would be far too light for Watson. I cannot help but wonder what
accountability would look like if every person accused of sexual violence faced the same
level of consequences even if they have money, fame, and status.
I want to take a moment to say this clearly: sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault.
It does not matter what someone was wearing. It does not matter whether they drank
alcohol. It does not matter where they were, who they were with, or what decisions they
made beforehand. Responsibility belongs entirely to the person who chose to commit the
assault.
Sexual harassment, misconduct, and assault are far too common, yet there is still so much
stigma surrounding conversations about them. Survivors are often expected to stay quiet,
move on, and/or justify why they deserve to be believed.
This absolutely needs to change.The more we listen to and amplify the voices of survivors, the less power we give
perpetrators to control the narrative.
That is why seeing Deshaun Watson named the starting quarterback, despite his history, is
so deeply upsetting to me. It sends a message that talent, money, and the success of a
franchise are more important than the experiences of the courageous women who came
forward.
I couldn’t stay silent about this.
A disclaimer: I am not a writer. I am a scientific researcher. But using my voice to advocate
for sexual assault survivors and stand up for people who have experienced what I have, is
something I am deeply passionate about. I may not always have the perfect words, but I will
continue to use the voice I have.
And finally, I should probably admit that I am a Steelers fan.
I intentionally put that at the end because I wanted this to be read from the perspective of a
survivor, not dismissed as the opinion of a rival fan. Additionally, I am fully aware of the
allegations involving Ben Roethlisberger, and becoming a survivor has changed the way I
view my own team as well. My support for the Steelers has wavered because of that history.
At this point, I don’t feel a strong allegiance to any NFL team.
I do, however, feel a very strong allegiance to survivors.
And that is what this is about.
Believe survivors unequivocally.