Shedeur Sanders’ Journey: From College Stardom to an NFL Waiting Game
Shedeur Sanders and His Early Rise in College Football
Shedeur Sanders’ football story has always been intertwined with legacy and expectation. As the son of Deion Sanders, a Hall of Famer known for his larger-than-life persona, Shedeur grew up with the spotlight on him. But instead of being overshadowed, he forged his own path.
At Jackson State, Sanders showed flashes of brilliance. He passed for over 3,200 yards as a freshman and earned the Jerry Rice Award. His leadership and confidence quickly made him a standout, paving the way for his transfer to Colorado.
In Boulder, Sanders elevated his game to a new level. Throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024, he not only broke Colorado records but also captured the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The Buffaloes’ decision to retire his jersey — alongside teammate Travis Hunter — cemented his impact as one of the most significant players in program history.
College Career Highlights
| Season | School | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Awards/Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Jackson State | 3,200+ | 30+ | Jerry Rice Award (Top Freshman) |
| 2024 | Colorado | 4,134 | 37 | Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Jersey Retirement |
The Surprising NFL Draft Slide
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, experts projected Shedeur Sanders as a first-round selection. His arm talent, poise, and college accolades seemed to make him a lock. Yet, the draft delivered an unexpected twist: Sanders slipped all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns picked him 144th overall.
For fans, it was shocking. For Sanders, it was humbling. While many argue that front offices undervalued his potential, others point out that scouts raised questions about his transition to NFL systems.
Adding to the chaos was a bizarre prank call incident during draft week, where Sanders’ private draft line was targeted. The league responded with penalties, but the episode highlighted how surreal his entry into the NFL truly was.
Life With the Cleveland Browns
Sanders’ rookie contract with Cleveland, valued at roughly $4.6 million, placed him in a developmental role. Today, he sits behind veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel on the Browns’ depth chart.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been a talking point all season. Flacco’s uneven play has sparked criticism, while Gabriel’s promotion as the main backup has left many questioning where Sanders fits into the plan.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has remained vague, refusing to commit long-term to Flacco or open the door wide for Sanders. For now, the young quarterback’s journey looks more like a test of patience than a direct shot at the starting lineup.
Browns Quarterback Depth Chart
| Rank | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| QB1 | Joe Flacco | Veteran starter, inconsistent play |
| QB2 | Dillon Gabriel | Rookie backup, ahead of Sanders |
| QB3 | Shedeur Sanders | Developmental, yet to debut |
Confidence, Criticism, and Shedeur Sanders’ Bold Words
Despite limited NFL action, Shedeur Sanders has not shied away from speaking his truth. Recently, he claimed he is “capable of doing better” than several NFL starting quarterbacks. That self-assurance, while admired by some, rubbed others the wrong way.
Former coach Rex Ryan didn’t hold back, calling Sanders’ comments “an embarrassment” and urging him to “study” rather than talk. The criticism ignited debate: is Sanders simply showing the confidence needed to succeed in the NFL, or is he putting unnecessary pressure on himself?
On the other side, Sanders’ mother stepped in with fierce support. She argued that the negativity directed at her son came from jealousy and insisted that he should continue believing in himself.
A Quarterback Debate Brewing in Cleveland
The Browns’ struggles with Joe Flacco have created growing calls for change. Many fans and analysts believe Dillon Gabriel deserves his chance, but others argue that if Gabriel fails, Shedeur Sanders should step into the spotlight.
This uncertainty has fueled debate about whether the Browns are truly committed to developing Sanders or if they view him as a long-term project. His supporters point out that great quarterbacks sometimes take longer to emerge, while skeptics suggest he may never live up to the hype surrounding his name.
What is clear is that Sanders is in a unique position: a college legend waiting for an NFL moment. As the season unfolds, his patience, confidence, and preparation may determine whether he gets that shot sooner rather than later.
Deion Sanders’ Influence on Shedeur Sanders
No story about Shedeur Sanders is complete without mentioning Deion Sanders. Known for his charisma and success, Deion has been both a mentor and a public defender for his son. His influence shaped Shedeur’s journey through college and continues to hover over his NFL career.
While Shedeur faces his own challenges, having a father who has walked the path of scrutiny and stardom may ultimately be his biggest advantage.
Voices Around the League: From Joe Flacco to Rex Ryan
The narrative around Shedeur Sanders doesn’t exist in isolation. Joe Flacco’s performance remains central to Cleveland’s quarterback dilemma, and Dillon Gabriel’s progress adds another layer.
Meanwhile, critics like Rex Ryan provide outside noise, while supporters highlight Sanders’ track record of proving doubters wrong. In the end, whether he steps onto the field this year or not, Sanders’ name remains one of the most talked-about in the NFL.
