Deshaun Watson Asks Fans Not to Rally on His Behalf; They Still March to NRG Stadium

Amid growing tension between the Texans and Deshaun Watson, a small group of fans decided to show their support for the star quarterback.

Amid growing tension between the Texans and Deshaun Watson, a small group of fans decided to show their support for the star quarterback. 

After hearing about the rally, Watson tweeted late Monday morning asking fans to cancel it due to public safety concerns. 

"Covid is spreading at a high rate & I don't want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection," Watson said.

I’m hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today. Although I am humbled I ask that whoever is organizing the march cancel for the sake of public safety. Covid is spreading at a high rate & I don’t want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection.

— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) January 18, 2021

Tomorrow at 11 am we are going to meet @eatleftys to start the rally (not protest) than we will walk down Kirby to the bull at NRG

This is a peaceful rally, please wear masks! Thank you everybody who has supported this!

See you at 11 am! #IStandWith4 (updated flyer) pic.twitter.com/cQbRHwGnf3

— The Golf Guy (@YoungAri_Gold) January 18, 2021

Despite his plea, fans still met at Lefty's Cheesesteak restaurant, which is owned by Watson, and marched a few blocks to NRG Stadium. The group wore face masks and expressed their support for the quarterback while calling for the firing of executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby as well.

Police officers are here but tell me fans can stay as long as they remain peaceful, and stay on the sidewalk. #IStandWith4 #Texans pic.twitter.com/a81BuRVH8j

— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) January 18, 2021

#Texans fans now chanting “Jack’s a joke, he must go.” pic.twitter.com/aGTbqXXqjm

— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) January 18, 2021

Watson has been unhappy with the organization after being left out of its hiring process for a new general manager and its early search for a new head coach. He offered input for the team's searches and hoped to represent the views of the players in the process.

Earlier this month, newly-hired general manager Nick Caserio shot down the idea of trading Watson, telling reporters, "He's our quarterback." Despite that, teams reportedly have begun calling the Texans to ask about Watson's availability. 

Houston went 4–12 in 2020 and Watson is concerned about the organization's current leadership and the team's future, according to Sports Illustrated's Jenny Vrentas and Greg Bishop. 

"He wants out," one of the people close to Watson told Sports Illustrated.

A major issue within the Texans has been the rise of Easterby, who previously served as the Patriots' character coach and became Houston's executive vice president of football operations last year.

More on the Texans:

• How Jack Easterby Held on, and Why Deshaun Watson Might Slip Away From the Texans

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• Rules Change Keys Eric Bieniemy Interview With Texans