A resurfaced comment from Houston Texans owner Cal McNair’s wife, Hannah, has reignited an old rivalry between Texans and Cleveland Browns fans.
The remark dates back to the blockbuster Deshaun Watson trade in 2022, a deal that continues to divide opinions on both sides.
Browns-Texans Feud Reignites Over Deshaun Watson Saga
During an August 2024 appearance on the Ultimate Fan podcast, McNair discussed the Watson trade and jokingly asked, “Have you thanked a Brown lately?” She then added, “I thank ’em for all of our players.”
The comment quickly became a reminder of how differently the two franchises viewed the trade.
On March 18, 2022, Houston sent Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick to Cleveland. In return, the Texans received six draft picks, including three first-round selections, along with fourth- and third-round picks.
Houston used that draft capital to help rebuild its roster, with Will Anderson Jr. becoming one of the most notable players acquired through the picks.
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For Browns fans, however, the trade remains a source of frustration. Cleveland gave Watson a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, but injuries and suspension limited him to fewer than 20 starts during his first four seasons with the team.
With McNair’s comment resurfacing, fans from both sides quickly reignited the debate.
One Browns fan directed the frustration toward team owner Jimmy Haslam, writing, “Sell the team, Haslam, go.” Another called Cleveland, “Literally a laughing stock.”
However, Texans fans did not sit back either. One fan pushed back at Houston, writing, “And they haven’t done [expletive] with it,” referring to the picks the team received.
Another went even further, criticizing the Texans while defending Cleveland: “Still a poverty franchise. Still haven’t won [explicit]. Still worse than Watson. [Explicit] the Texans.”
The debate also brought renewed criticism of Houston’s handling of Watson.
One NFL analyst argued, “Pretty crazy that Mr McNair has gotten off completely free.”
Another person shifted the focus back to the draft picks Houston received, claiming, “Lol they botched almost every pick Cleveland traded them.”
The disagreement shows that neither fanbase has completely moved on from the trade.
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Deshaun Watson Begins Another Chapter
The Browns are now entering another season with Watson at the center of their quarterback plans.
After competing with Shedeur Sanders in preseason, Watson was named Cleveland’s Week 1 starter despite his struggles and the backlash from Browns fans.
That decision could add another layer to the long-running debate over the Watson trade.
For Houston, the deal remains a major part of its rebuilding story. For Cleveland, Watson’s performance will continue to determine whether the franchise can finally justify the enormous price it paid.
Years later, one comment from McNair was enough to bring the old argument back to life.
