Jilly Anais, the girlfriend of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, grinned from ear-to-ear on Sunday with gal pals during Cleveland’s preseason game against the Eagles — which came just days after the NFL suspended the signal-caller for 11 regular-season games.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Anais — who is a musical artist — is seen in a private suite at FirstEnergy Stadium with several people, who then held up cups in a toast.
“Cheers ladies,” Anais is heard yelling in the video.
Earlier this month, Anais appeared to be present at Browns training camp in the aftermath of Watson’s initial suspension, in which Judge Sue L. Robinson handed him a six-game ban for violating the league’s personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct.
The NFL appealed Robinson’s decision two days later, and revealed the final punishment of an 11-game ban and a $5 million fine last week.
Watson and Anais appeared to have put up a united front ever since the allegations were first made public last March. The Pro Bowl quarterback, 26, has maintained his innocence.
For Sunday’s preseason games against Philadelphia, Watson — along with Cleveland’s starters — watched from the sidelines as they were edged by the Eagles, 21-20.
Watson will begin serving his suspension on Aug. 30 and will be eligible to return to the Browns’ facility on Oct. 10 for limited participation in team activities. He will then be allowed to resume practicing on Nov. 14, two weeks before his suspension ends.
The Browns will move forward with Watson as the starter when he is eligible to play in Week 13, when he will face his former Texans team in Houston. Jacoby Brissett will take over until Watson’s return.
Watson — who has not played since the 2020 season — signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns. He requested a trade out of Houston in January 2021.
