Once projected as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders experienced a surprising slide, ultimately being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. The Browns had already taken another quarterback—Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel—in the third round.
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Now, Sanders joins a crowded and competitive quarterback room in Cleveland, which includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside fellow rookie Gabriel. The battle for the starting job is wide open, with all four signal-callers in the mix heading into training camp.
Despite the draft-day disappointment, Sanders has remained focused, and he continues to receive unwavering support from his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Deion, who coached Shedeur throughout his college career, has been publicly vocal in backing his son as he takes his first steps into the professional ranks. Recently, Deion highlighted a side-by-side comparison of their rookie salaries in an Instagram post, offering both pride and perspective.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski even spoke highly of Shedeur’s early days with the team. He credited Shedeur’s football IQ and off-the-field maturity to his father, Deion Sanders.
“He’s been raised the right way, he’s got a great way about him,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, when you’re the son of a Hall-of-Famer, there’s a lot that goes with that. I think the benefits of that have been really impressive for him. I think you see a young man that understands what comes with this job, understands the work that goes into this job, so I’d say it’s been a very big positive.”
Growing up under the guidance of Deion Sanders—an elite two-sport athlete and larger-than-life personality—has clearly shaped Shedeur’s understanding of the game and what it means to be a professional.
While Stefanski confirmed that Joe Flacco currently holds the starting job heading into training camp, he also emphasized that the competition is wide open. Sanders will get a legitimate opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn a larger role as the season approaches.
