Despite being listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart, Shedeur Sanders seized his moment in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined by hamstring injuries and veteran Joe Flacco resting, the Browns turned to the fifth-round pick out of Colorado — and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Sanders delivered, completing 14 of 23 passes (60%) for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and adding 19 rushing yards in a 30-10 win.
After the game, the 23-year-old took to X (formerly known as Twitter) with a familiar three-word post.
Sanders Uses Limited Reps as Motivation
Throughout camp, Sanders has received few first-team snaps, but he said he used the challenge as fuel.
“I mean God’s patient with us as humans,” Sanders said. “We mess up at times, but I don’t feel like he throws us away as individuals… it’s really just a test, you know, I feel like, from God.”
Sanders expressed gratitude to the Browns for the opportunity to play and inspire others.
Overcoming Draft Slide
Once projected as a top-10 pick, Sanders fell to Cleveland at No. 144 in the 2025 NFL Draft after reports of a rocky pre-draft process. Despite that slide, his arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making were on full display against Carolina.
Stefanski Confirms More Reps Ahead
Although it’s unclear if Sanders will start next Saturday against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Kevin Stefanski praised his poise and playmaking.
“The situations were invaluable for Shedeur,” Stefanski said. “By design, he got a ton of reps in this game, and he’ll get a ton of reps next week.”
Cleveland will practice with Philadelphia leading up to the matchup, giving Sanders another chance to prove himself.