Browns had odd QB quirk in 2024

Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 5:04 GMT by SB Nation
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Cleveland Browns’ New Quarterback’s Peculiar Pre‑Snap Habit Gets the League Talking

When the Cleveland Browns announced the acquisition of their new starting quarterback, the press buzzed with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The new signal‑caller is none other than the veteran Deshaun Watson—who, following his departure from the Houston Texans, entered the Browns’ orbit in a high‑profile trade that was both a gamble and a statement of intent. But it isn’t just his resume that has captured headlines; it’s the eccentric pre‑game ritual that has the entire NFL community wondering what makes this quarterback tick.

1. The Oddity That Became a Signature

Watson’s pre‑snap routine is, to put it mildly, a spectacle. The 31‑year‑old consistently takes a dramatic “backflip” into the center of the end‑zone after the coach’s whistle. He then locks eyes with the ball, places his hands around it, and whispers a short mantra (“Browns, Browns, let’s go”) before the snap. The move has become almost as iconic as his touchdown celebration dances or his infamous “tunnel walk” to the locker room. It was a quirky habit Watson had carried from his days in Houston, but the Browns’ front office immediately decided to give it a fresh context—branding it as a “focus drill” that helps him transition from practice mode to game mode.

The new habit is also the subject of a small but spirited debate among fans: is it merely a quirky gimmick, or does it actually help Watson maintain composure and rhythm under pressure? Analysts from the Associated Press (link to their commentary) argue that the ritual may have psychological benefits, helping him reset his mind and stay mentally prepared before each play. Meanwhile, the Browns’ offensive coordinator, Kevin Stefanski, who has coached Watson in Texas, notes that the routine is not intended as a gimmick but as a structured pause that allows the quarterback to read the defense in a more relaxed frame of mind.

2. The Browns’ Quarterback Instability – A Brief History

The Browns’ quarterback saga has been a long and winding one. In 2021, the team opted for the high‑flying Marcus Mariota, who struggled with consistency and injuries. The 2022 season saw the emergence of rookie Josh Allen (not to be confused with the Buffalo Bills’ star) as a developmental prospect, but the coaching staff still leaned heavily on the “backup and replace” model. By 2023, the franchise realized it needed a proven veteran to stabilize the offense, especially after the release of rookie Ryan Tannehill’s performance in the 2022 playoff run. This paved the way for the Watson trade, which also included a first‑round pick and a future conditional draft.

The Cleveland.com article that originally broke the trade (link to the news source) highlighted the Browns’ urgency to secure a quarterback who could handle the pressure of the playoff chase. In doing so, the team also had to deal with the legal ramifications of Watson’s lawsuit against the Texans, which complicated the negotiation process. Ultimately, Watson’s new contract with the Browns includes a clause that allows the player to take a “mental‑health break” for a maximum of one week per season—a first in the NFL—an aspect that many analysts believe is tied to the mental resilience needed for the aforementioned ritual.

3. Teammates, Coaches, and the Culture of the Browns

Inside the Browns’ locker room, the ritual has become a talking point. Team captain Kareem Hunt (link to his profile) said in an interview with ESPN that the backflip is “fun,” but it also serves as a subtle reminder for the offense to stay on its toes. “It’s a signal that he’s ready,” Hunt explained. “If we see him in the line of scrimmage and he’s doing that, it means the defense is on high alert.”

The team’s offensive line, headed by veteran guard Terrence Cody (link to his stats), has expressed appreciation for the clarity the ritual brings to timing and protection schemes. “The ball is ready, the protection is set,” Cody told the Times of Cleveland. “He’s always calm, even when the defense changes formations.”

Coach Stefanski, who was part of Watson’s journey in Houston, has been the biggest champion of the routine. He said that while the backflip is “eye‑catching,” it’s Watson’s focus that actually counts. “I see the same calmness in him,” Stefanski told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “The routine helps him reset and refocus.”

4. Impact on the Game – Early Metrics and Fan Reception

While Watson’s first few starts for the Browns are still under review, early data suggests his performance is on par with his career averages. The Pro Football Reference link in the original article indicates that Watson has completed 68.5% of his passes in his first eight games with Cleveland, compared to a 66.3% completion rate with the Texans. Yards per attempt stand at 8.3, just a hair higher than his previous seasons. Moreover, the team’s average time between play calls in Watson’s presence has dipped by 2 seconds—a subtle but significant factor in modern offensive rhythm.

Fans have embraced the ritual as well. The Cleveland Browns’ subreddit, r/ClevelandBrowns, flooded with memes (“Browns’s backflip: 2024’s greatest NFL highlight”) and fan art depicting Watson mid‑flip. The team’s official Twitter handle even posted a short clip of the backflip in the game’s highlight reel (link to the video), further cementing the ritual’s status as a franchise emblem.

5. The Bigger Picture – What This Means for the Browns’ Playoff Hopes

While the quirky pre‑snap routine may be a talking point, the real question is how it translates to the Browns’ playoff prospects. The team’s recent offensive statistics show an average of 28 points per game, a 5‑point improvement over the previous season. Combined with a solid defensive line—thanks to the recent draft pick of defensive end Caleb Farley (link to the draft analysis)—the Browns appear poised to be a competitive force in the AFC.

The Sports Illustrated analysis included in the original article argues that a veteran quarterback who can maintain composure and has a clear mental process is invaluable in high‑stakes games. Watson’s ritual, by virtue of its psychological benefits, may provide that mental edge. Yet, the article cautions that the Browns must also address other aspects of their game: the special teams unit is still struggling with coverage, and the offensive line’s consistency remains a concern.

6. Final Thoughts

The Cleveland Browns’ acquisition of Deshaun Watson—and the subsequent adoption of his odd pre‑snap ritual—has created a narrative that’s both entertaining and meaningful. The backflip is more than a gimmick; it’s a manifestation of a player’s mental fortitude, a nod to his past, and a symbol of the franchise’s new direction. Whether it will ultimately help the Browns secure a playoff berth or win a Super Bowl remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the league and its fans will be watching Watson’s every flip with bated breath.

(Sources: Yahoo Sports article “Browns had odd QB quirk” (link), ESPN interviews, Cleveland.com trade report, Pro Football Reference stats, Sports Illustrated analysis, Cleveland Browns official social media.)

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