Shedeur Sanders is back for the first time. The Cleveland Browns quarterback may be entering his second NFL season, but the circumstances surrounding Sanders on the eve of his rookie and sophomore campaigns are in stark contrast, to say the least.
By now, you’re probably familiar with the media’s story: Projected first-round draft pick shockingly plummets to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. League sources and commentators attribute the fall to supposed arrogance, nepotism, and entitlement, questioning his game and its ability to translate to the next level. Others view the unexpected drop down the draft boards as a conspiracy and humiliation ritual meant to humble the prospect and his family.
He’s selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns, two rounds after fellow Cleveland draftee Dillion Gabriel. Controversy ensues. Then-Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski relegates Sanders to fourth string on the team’s initial depth chart. An outcry ensues. Injuries, trades, and lackluster play occur. Shedeur gets his shot during the latter half of the season and becomes the first Browns rookie quarterback in three decades to win their first start in a Week 12 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Shedeur mania hits a fever pitch. Typical rookie lowlights and blunders occur, as do highlight-reel plays and growing belief within the Cleveland locker room that a spark has been felt.
