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Daniel Oyefusi
Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has been making headlines lately not just for his illustrious past but also for his role as a concerned father and head coach at the University of Colorado. A significant talking point is his son, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is carving out his own path in the NFL. According to Deion, he predicts that Shedeur will start for the Cleveland Browns this season.
During an episode of “New Heights” podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, Deion shared his insights and expectations for his son’s NFL journey. He emphasized the importance of patience and readiness, suggesting, “You have to be ready when it’s time. But when it’s time, you’re going to know.” His confidence radiates as he implies a significant opportunity is on the horizon for Shedeur.
Further adding to the narrative, Deion confirmed a previous ESPN report that revealed Shedeur had told the Baltimore Ravens not to draft him in the 2025 NFL draft. This decision stemmed from the quarterback’s desire to avoid being a backup to Lamar Jackson, a star player who could hinder his chances of playing time.
Deion elaborated on this point, recalling his own conversations with the Ravens’ front office, including former general manager Ozzie Newsome. He expressed understanding of Shedeur’s reluctance to take a path that could lead to years spent on the bench, stating, “How in the world can somebody fault him for thinking, ‘Why would I go back up Lamar [Jackson] for 10 more years?'” This sentiment showcases a blend of wisdom bred from experience and a desire for his son to pursue opportunities that would allow him to shine.
Instead of drafting Shedeur, the Ravens opted for offensive lineman Carson Vinson, and it was the Browns who seized the moment to trade up and select Shedeur with the 144th overall pick. Currently, he finds himself third on Cleveland’s depth chart, behind veteran starter Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Shedeur has been adapting to his role on the Browns as part of the scout team offense, training alongside Gabriel and practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe. Following the Browns’ recent loss to the Ravens, he spoke to the media and emphasized his focus on the present: “I’m more focused on how this game we just had went and figuring out how to move forward from now.” His words reflect a maturity that belies his rookie status, standing as a testament to the lessons learned under his father’s guidance.
The Browns currently hold a record of 1-2, having secured their first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers with a close 13-10 score. Flacco, however, has faced challenges, throwing four interceptions—the second-most in the league—and posting a Total QBR of 38.2, placing him 28th among the 32 qualifying quarterbacks. Nevertheless, head coach Kevin Stefanski has announced that Flacco will continue to start in the upcoming Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions, raising questions about how long before Shedeur gets his shot in the NFL spotlight.