Wife Jilly Anais turns Deshaun Watson's 30th birthday into a public show of support
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson turned 30 on Sept. 14, and the reaction was split. While fans dragged the Browns for posting about him at all, Watson’s wife Jilly Anais doubled down with a message that left no doubt about her loyalty.
‘I got your back more than your spine’: Jilly Anais outshines Cleveland Browns with birthday love note for Deshaun Watson
On Instagram, Anais called Watson her “greatest gift” and shared photos from their wedding, trips, and sideline moments. “From 23 to 30, I’ve had the privilege of walking through every season with you. Every day, I’m in awe of the way you rise, love, and endure,” she wrote. She ended the post with “I got your back more than your spine.. beleeDat! Cheers to a new decade! 30 looks good on you baby 😋💛.”
The Browns’ own birthday tribute to Watson drew a far different reaction. Their social media post was flooded with angry comments from fans upset about his sexual misconduct allegations and lackluster on-field results. Messages like “read the room” and “still time to delete this” dominated the replies. Anais’ post, in contrast, was personal and unapologetic, reaffirming her place at Watson’s side.
Deshaun Watson’s career in Cleveland remains defined by controversy and injuries
The Browns traded three first-round picks, a third-rounder, and two fourth-rounders to the Houston Texans for Watson in March 2022. They immediately gave him a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, which is now widely regarded as one of the most damaging deals in NFL history.
Watson has played just 19 games in three seasons with Cleveland, going 9-10. An 11-game suspension in 2022 over sexual misconduct claims and multiple major injuries have derailed his time in Cleveland. He tore his Achilles in Week 7 of 2024 and re-injured it during rehab in January 2025, ending his season before it began.
Though Watson has settled nearly all lawsuits, and two grand juries declined to pursue charges, the allegations continue to follow him. For many Browns fans, his $230 million contract has become a symbol of wasted resources and broken trust.
Deshaun Watson and Jilly Anais have built a relationship that withstands public scrutiny
Anais and Watson began dating in 2019, and she has stayed visible through his injuries, suspensions, and off-field accusations. In March 2025, Watson proposed with a $2.5 million diamond ring. The couple married in July on a Miami yacht, choosing the date to mark the anniversary of their first outing together.
Anais has consistently described Watson as her motivation and safe place. Watson, in turn, has praised her character and faith. On Sunday, alongside his wife’s tribute, he posted his own message: “Lord, Thank you for allowing me to see another year of Life! Being able to go into a new chapter with an Elevated Mind is one of the best blessings you’ve given me!”
While the Browns face 2025 with Joe Flacco starting and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders waiting behind him, Watson’s return remains uncertain. But Anais’ birthday post showed she is unshaken, keeping the spotlight on her support as much as his career.
‘I got your back more than your spine’: Jilly Anais outshines Cleveland Browns with birthday love note for Deshaun Watson
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOlkym-lQvt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7173cc3e-6d32-4e3d-8f51-c0d19ec659e6 https://www.instagram.com/p/DOlkym-lQvt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7173cc3e-6d32-4e3d-8f51-c0d19ec659e6
On Instagram, Anais called Watson her “greatest gift” and shared photos from their wedding, trips, and sideline moments. “From 23 to 30, I’ve had the privilege of walking through every season with you. Every day, I’m in awe of the way you rise, love, and endure,” she wrote. She ended the post with “I got your back more than your spine.. beleeDat! Cheers to a new decade! 30 looks good on you baby 😋💛.”
The Browns’ own birthday tribute to Watson drew a far different reaction. Their social media post was flooded with angry comments from fans upset about his sexual misconduct allegations and lackluster on-field results. Messages like “read the room” and “still time to delete this” dominated the replies. Anais’ post, in contrast, was personal and unapologetic, reaffirming her place at Watson’s side.
Deshaun Watson’s career in Cleveland remains defined by controversy and injuries
The Browns traded three first-round picks, a third-rounder, and two fourth-rounders to the Houston Texans for Watson in March 2022. They immediately gave him a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, which is now widely regarded as one of the most damaging deals in NFL history.
Watson has played just 19 games in three seasons with Cleveland, going 9-10. An 11-game suspension in 2022 over sexual misconduct claims and multiple major injuries have derailed his time in Cleveland. He tore his Achilles in Week 7 of 2024 and re-injured it during rehab in January 2025, ending his season before it began.
Though Watson has settled nearly all lawsuits, and two grand juries declined to pursue charges, the allegations continue to follow him. For many Browns fans, his $230 million contract has become a symbol of wasted resources and broken trust.
Deshaun Watson and Jilly Anais have built a relationship that withstands public scrutiny
Anais and Watson began dating in 2019, and she has stayed visible through his injuries, suspensions, and off-field accusations. In March 2025, Watson proposed with a $2.5 million diamond ring. The couple married in July on a Miami yacht, choosing the date to mark the anniversary of their first outing together.
Anais has consistently described Watson as her motivation and safe place. Watson, in turn, has praised her character and faith. On Sunday, alongside his wife’s tribute, he posted his own message: “Lord, Thank you for allowing me to see another year of Life! Being able to go into a new chapter with an Elevated Mind is one of the best blessings you’ve given me!”
While the Browns face 2025 with Joe Flacco starting and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders waiting behind him, Watson’s return remains uncertain. But Anais’ birthday post showed she is unshaken, keeping the spotlight on her support as much as his career.
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