Shedeur Sanders was one of the most polarizing players heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Fans and analysts alike were unsure how to grade him, both as a prospect and as a person.
On one hand, Sanders had a great collegiate career and had some strong intangibles, and having a dad like Deion didn’t hurt his athletic ceiling. On the other hand, Sanders didn’t play against great competition at the college level, and there were also concerns that his father being a public figure and former player could be a distraction for him.
Sanders ultimately was drafted to the Cleveland Browns and had several opportunities to start and prove himself during his rookie year in 2025. There were some highlight moments, but it’s clear that the Browns aren’t willing to commit to him as QB1 for the long-term future.
He has been lauded for his work ethic and presence in the locker room, which has also extended to the local Cleveland community.
“Browns QB Shedeur Sanders let a Bedford High School senior and his date borrow his Mercedes-Maybach for prom night,” Front Office Sports wrote.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders let a Bedford High School senior and his date borrow his Mercedes-Maybach for prom night.
(🎥 via ariajsingletary/IG) pic.twitter.com/FI9W0bM6GI
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 10, 2026
The connection between Sanders and these two high schoolers is unknown, but he clearly trusted them enough to ride around in an expensive car. He certainly didn’t have to do this, so this move has gone over well in the media.
Even if Cleveland fans are on Sanders’ side after seeing this, the final decision about the Browns’ starting QB in 2026 will fall on new head coach Todd Monken’s shoulders. At the moment, it appears to be a two-horse race between him and Deshaun Watson, so it will be interesting to see how the next few months go down.
Sanders might be a great guy to be a part of the greater Cleveland community, but that fact alone doesn’t improve his chances of being the Browns’ QB. He needs to prove himself on the field now, and he’ll be competing with a seasoned veteran for the top position, even if that veteran has struggled with injuries and has been in the public eye for all the wrong reasons.
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