Deshaun Watson asks Texans fans to not protest outside NRG Stadium, citing COVID-19 concerns

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson called off a peaceful march in his honor to take place outside of NRG Stadium.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson took to Twitter Monday morning to call off a protest at NRG Stadium in his honor.

James Carlson of TexansUnfiltered.com organized a peaceful rally for Watson to air the fan base’s grievances against the Texans organization, who they believe is treating Watson unfairly throughout with the general manager and coach hiring processes.

The protest was slated for 11:00 a.m. at Lefty’s Cheesesteak on Kirby Drive, just down the road from NRG Stadium.

However, Watson took to Twitter to call off the protest.

“I’m hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today,” Watson tweeted. “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.”

According to Texas Medical Center, there were 3,297 cases of the novel coronavirus reported on Jan. 17.

“If we are here to show support for Deshaun then we need to listen to his request,” Carlson said in a statement to Texans Wire. ‘We accomplished our goal, this was just a warning shot at the organization.”

Though the march may be called off, the situation is still abnormal between the Texans, Watson, and now the fan base. Houston still has one big hire to make with a new coach, and it will determine whether the anxiety subsides or intensifies.