Football player Shedeur Sanders shares advice he received from his father, Deion Sanders, during his cancer struggle
Cleveland Browns' Fourth-String Quarterback Shedeur Sanders Eyes Preseason Opportunity
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, finds himself in a challenging position as the fourth-string quarterback on the Cleveland Browns' unofficial depth chart [1][3][4]. Despite this, the rookie has been making the most of his opportunities in training camp, with rotated reps that include facing the first-team defense [1][2][4].
The limited practice time of Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, who are also on the Browns' roster, has opened up chances for Sanders to showcase his skills [1]. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been rotating quarterbacks to give each a fair chance to prove themselves [1].
Sanders will get a significant opportunity to move up the depth chart when he starts in the Browns' first preseason game on August 8, 2025 [2][4][5]. This game presents a crucial chance for him to impress and potentially secure a higher position on the depth chart.
Despite the challenges of being fourth on the chart, Sanders remains focused and mentally prepared to face adversity. He emphasizes personal growth and a competitive "me versus me" approach [4].
Meanwhile, Sanders' father, Deion Sanders, recently battled "very high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer" [6]. After undergoing surgery to remove his bladder this spring, Dr. Janet Kukreja, urological oncology director at CU Anshutz, reported that Deion Sanders is now cancer-free [6].
Shedeur spoke to reporters at training camp and shared his father's message to him during his health scare. He revealed that his father told him to focus on what he needs to do and not to feel sorry for him [7].
Shedeur Sanders is also competing for a roster spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his brother Shiloh is also a player. However, he has chosen to focus on the preseason game with the Browns to prove himself and advance in the quarterback competition [2].
Shedeur Sanders doesn't want his father, Deion Sanders, to attend practices in Berea, Ohio, to avoid distractions [5]. Deion Sanders, who is currently the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, had previously been in Tampa Bay to support his other son, Shiloh [8].
The Cleveland Browns are likely to keep only three quarterbacks this season [1][2][4], making it crucial for Sanders to perform well in games and practices to secure a roster spot.
References: 1. ESPN 2. Cleveland.com 3. Sports Illustrated 4. CBS Sports 5. NBC Sports 6. The Denver Post 7. The Athletic 8. Tampa Bay Times
- Shedeur Sanders' focus on personal growth could potentially help him improve his health and sports performance.
- The upcoming preseason game for the Cleveland Browns provides a significant platform for Shedeur Sanders to demonstrate his skills in American football, specifically NFL or football.
- Deion Sanders, Shedeur's father and a former NFL player, has recovered from bladder cancer and might follow Shedeur's competitions in sports, such as football, with interest.
