Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was one of the most heavily criticized players in the NFL this past season, and tight end David Njoku is getting tired of the slander.

During a recent appearance on Watson’s QB Unplugged podcast, Njoku offered a strong defense of Watson, ripping the signal-caller’s critics.

“[Deshaun] tore his shoulder, right? And had a high-ankle sprain the same game, and still beat the juggernaut Ravens,” Njoku said. “You know what I mean? That’s something that people don’t really comprehend the right way.”

Njoku is referring to Watson’s Week 10 performance of this past year in which he went 20-for-34 with 213 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a furious comeback win over the Ravens in Baltimore in spite of being severely hobbled. Watson did not play at all the rest of the season and underwent shoulder surgery.

“And seeing all that stuff on social media and stuff, it’s sad because you know the saying, ‘Ignorance is bliss.’ In this case, it’s not really bliss because you don’t know … all the efforts and stuff being done behind closed doors,” added Njoku. “I know [Deshaun] is strong-minded but that, you just don’t like seeing that, especially when you’re giving it your all for a city.”

The Browns initially acquired Watson in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans back in March 2022 and proceeded to hand him an unprecedented fully guaranteed $230 million contract extension.

Since then, Watson has played in just 12 games for Cleveland. He missed 11 games during his debut campaign with the club because of a suspension due to sexual misconduct allegations, and this past year, he was knocked out early due to the shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old is expected to be ready for Week 1 of 2024.

Meanwhile, Njoku enjoyed the best year of his career in 2023, hauling in 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.

We’ll see if Deshaun Watson and David Njoku can establish an even bigger connection come September.