Dabo Swinney opens up on Deshaun Watson trade, what the QB told him

Clemson coach and former quarterback have been talking behind the scenes amid Watson's trade to the Browns.

Deshaun Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in a deal includes a huge $230 million contract for the former Clemson quarterback.

Dabo Swinney, who coached Watson on a national championship team, opened up about the situation, which culminated in the QB sitting out last season and requesting a trade, which itself preceded numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.

Swinney says Watson is ready to prove himself

"You don't show up and start your first game in the NFL if you're not ready, and he's been amazing every time he's been on the field," Swinney said of Watson.

"Heck, [he] probably had his best year with the least personnel that he probable had available last year [in 2020]. So I'm happy for him, super excited about his opportunity. I've talked to him a lot over the last couple of weeks and it just shows a lot of confidence that [Browns owner Jimmy Haslam] and his family have in Deshaun.

"I think it was fun to kind of be a part of him [at Clemson] and glad to see him get back to being involved and ready to move forward. And he's going to do great."

Mark J. Rebilas - USA Today

The Clemson head football coach said he has spoken with Watson recently.

"Just trying to give him some guidance and what was going on the last couple weeks, encouraging him and also just trying to give him some good counsel and he's in a good place," Swinney said.

"It's been a long, long year for him, for sure, and I think he's grown a lot and he's been really good. Really good. He's laser focused and [I'm] just excited to see him have an opportunity to get back to work and people give him a chance to hear him a little bit."

Watson speaks publicly for the first time since the trade

Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

"I understand that and I know that there's going to be a stain that's probably going to stick with me for a while," Watson said upon arriving in Cleveland.

"But all I can do is keep moving forward and continuing to show the person that I am, the true character, the true person, the true human being I am.

"Like I said before, I've never done the things that these people are alleging, and I'm going to continue to fight for my name and clear my name. And like I've been doing, just cooperate with everything that comes with it and just keep moving forward.

"And then as far as the job and what I need to do on the football side, is to lead this team. Help this team win multiple games and Super Bowls. And that's my job is continue to put all of that together and work with the Cleveland Browns and just keep pushing forward."

Watson last played in the NFL for Houston during the 2020 season, when he passed for a career-high 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns. He landed with the Texans as the No. 12 overall draft pick in 2017.

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