Birthdays are usually a time for warmth, not awkward silence. But as the Browns prepare for a crucial divisional showdown, their birthday message to QB Deshaun Watson has stirred an entirely different conversation. On a day meant for celebration, the team’s post was as cold as the autumn wind sweeping through Cleveland, and fans have been quick to notice. The timing, just hours before a high-stakes AFC North clash, only added fuel to the fire. 

The post was simple: “Happy birthday, Deshaun.” No exclamation point, no emojis, no spark. Just three flat words alongside his photo. For a player once heralded as the Browns’ savior, the lukewarm tone struck many as intentional. What made it sting even more was that the running back Dylan Sampson received a similar birthday graphic the same day. But with a lively caption: “A happy gameday birthday to Dylan today!”. That one little exclamation point became a focal point of the conversation.

Watson, who turned 30 on Sunday, is sidelined for the entire 2025 season with an Achilles injury. His time in Cleveland has been ruined by misconduct allegations. An 11-game league suspension and inconsistent play since arriving from the Houston Texans. Yet, despite the controversies and struggles, he remains the face of the Browns’ most expensive gamble—signed to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal.

Since joining the Browns, Watson has barely been able to stay on the field. He played in only seven games last season before his injury. Completing 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. In 2023, he managed just six games, throwing for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four picks. For a player brought in to transform the franchise, those numbers have not justified the investment.

Despite expectations that Watson will miss the entire 2025 season, reports have surfaced suggesting a surprise return isn’t completely off the table. According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, the Browns left the door slightly open when they placed Watson on the Active PUP list instead of the Reserve PUP. That subtle move means he could technically return after Week 4, provided he receives full medical clearance.

Still, the Browns’ current quarterback picture suggests they are moving on without him. Joe Flacco has secured the starting position during training camp and is firmly established as QB1. Behind him, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are waiting in the wings as the team’s prospects. The organization seems to be prioritizing Flacco’s experience while also developing their young quarterbacks for what lies ahead.

Fans see shade in Browns’ birthday post

Within minutes, the post went viral—not for any birthday celebrations, but because people found it cold. Watson’s controversial time with the team has really divided the fanbase, which might explain why even the punctuation caught people’s attention. The basic tone drew instant comparisons to The Office’s iconic “It Is Your Birthday” scene by Dwight Schrute. 

One fan wrote, “Admin, I know you were forced to post this, so I appreciate that you at least didn’t give him an exclamation point or emoji.”  The comment reflected a widespread belief that the team’s social media staff wanted to distance themselves emotionally, offering the most bare-minimum acknowledgment possible.

Others felt the post wasn’t an accident—it was a quiet statement. “Y’all know what yall doing,” another fan added, suggesting the Browns knew the icy tone would spark conversation and underline how far Watson has fallen from his franchise-savior status.

Some even framed the tone as intentional shade. “No emoji, no exclamation, just the bare minimum. Respect,” a fan remarked. It was less a compliment and more an acknowledgment. The post captured how disappointing Watson’s tenure has been. Especially considering his hefty $230 million fully guaranteed contract and off-field problems.

The humor kept coming. “No exclamation point or emoji LMAO,” another fan joked. Laughing at how the lack of punctuation itself felt like a subtle protest from the team’s social media admin—mirroring the fan base’s collective frustration.

As the Cleveland Browns gear up for a crucial game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the off-field drama surrounding a simple birthday message has turned into an unwelcome distraction. Whether calculated or careless, the team’s three-word message has ensured that all eyes are on Deshaun Watson—just not for the reasons the Browns might have hoped.