The Cleveland Browns may have found value when they selected quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, but the circumstances surrounding that decision continue to resonate far beyond Cleveland.
For Shedeur’s father — Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders — the experience effectively closed the door on any future interest in coaching at the NFL level.
“Not whatsoever. What transpired with my son last year, there’s no way in the world,” Sanders said on ESPN’s First Take, pausing before finishing his thought. “When I stop like that, it doesn’t mean I’m lost for words.”
Sanders has long been rumored for NFL jobs and was a prominent name during the Dallas Cowboys coaching search last year. In light of how Shedeur’s first year in the league unfolded, his answer on potential future opportunities has become unequivocal.
“I’m just proud of him,” Coach Prime said of Shedeur. “People have no idea of what he’s truly gone through. You never see behind the curtain. I know what’s behind the curtain. I know all the bulljunk that transpired. But I’m so darn proud of him as a man.”
Deion Sanders: ‘Foolish Stuff’ Led to Shedeur’s Draft Tumble
Shedeur Sanders entered the draft cycle as one of the more polarizing quarterback prospects in recent memory. Despite productive seasons and strong credentials, Shedeur slid to pick No. 144 before the Browns selected him. Many analysts had Sanders as an early first-round pick, but his fall sparked questions about how teams evaluated him.
In the weeks following the draft, Deion Sanders addressed the situation publicly, suggesting that external narratives — rather than on-field performance — played a role in shaping perceptions.
“There was some foolish stuff that went on, but you know what? That gave them something that they needed,” Sanders said during an appearance on the Say What Needs To Be Said podcast, hosted by former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel. “All you have to do is just sit back and listen, but people don’t want to do that. They want to create these narratives and create these stories and then attach them to a kid that ain’t ever done anything wrong.”
Shedeur Sanders Looking to Earn Starting Spot With Browns
Shedeur started the final seven games of the season for the Browns. He went 3-4 in those games, passing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But Sanders also showed some upside, although there were growing pains.
New Browns head coach Todd Monken has said he’s excited to work with Sanders. However, Monken did not go as far as to name him the starter moving forward.
“I think like any position on the team, that’s still to be determined. Am I excited about Shedeur? Am I excited about all the quarterbacks in the room? Am I excited to coach this football team? Absolutely,” Monken said. “I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started.”
Sanders has met with Monken and is a fan of his “vibe.” But he understands he’ll have to work to be named QB1.
“That’s what’s expected. Each and every day, I have to prove to everybody and to myself also,” Sanders said. “It’s having goals and accomplishing those goals. The small goals will end up in long-term success. Just hit your landmarks and what you need to do. Focus more in depth and take control of your life and what you can control.”
Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson are also under contract for next season with the Browns. Cleveland could also add another option via the draft, free agency, or a trade.
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