Jamie Foxx's character Steamin' Willie Beamen acknowledges Shedeur Sanders in his debut with the Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, made a strong impression in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers. Despite being listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the Browns' first unofficial depth chart, Sanders showcased his skills, going 14-for-23 passing for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the Browns to a 30-10 victory.
The night's biggest takeaway was Sanders' poised performance, which included good downfield vision and composure in the pocket. This performance validated the Browns' decision to start him with higher-ranked quarterbacks sidelined due to injuries or rest.
Sanders' draft slide to the fifth round was largely attributed to concerns about his family’s strong personality and brand rather than his skills. However, his impressive preseason debut has shifted the narrative, solidifying his place on the roster and raising questions about his potential impact.
Injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, along with Joe Flacco resting, opened the door for Sanders' starting opportunity in the preseason opener. Former Heisman winner Matt Leinart praised Sanders for handling the pressure and "balling out," dismissing narratives that he was set up to fail due to limited practice reps.
Celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and LeBron James have voiced their support for Sanders. Foxx, in particular, has been vocal about wanting the narrative about Sanders' outgoing personality silenced after his debut. He even went as far as to say, "if you hate Shedeur Sanders, you hate football."
Sanders' performance has also led to growing confidence in his NFL future. He is viewed as a low-cost, high-upside option for the Browns moving forward. With the Browns' quarterback situation still uncertain, Sanders' impressive preseason debut has given him a strong case to remain on the roster and potentially challenge for a starting spot.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 15). Shedeur Sanders shines in preseason debut for Cleveland Browns. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33768850/shedeur-sanders-shines-preseason-debut-cleveland-browns
[2] NFL Draft Diamonds. (2025, April 30). 2025 NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders' draft slide a mystery. Retrieved from https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2025/04/shedeur-sanders-draft-slide-mystery/
[3] Pro Football Focus. (2025, August 16). Shedeur Sanders' preseason debut solidifies his place on the Cleveland Browns' roster. Retrieved from https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/shedeur-sanders-preseason-debut-solidifies-his-place-on-the-cleveland-browns-roster
[4] Sports Illustrated. (2025, April 30). Shedeur Sanders' draft slide: What happened? Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nfl/2025/04/30/shedeur-sanders-draft-slide-what-happened
Injuries to established NFL quarterbacks allowed Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, to make his preseason debut as a starter, showcasing his promising future in American football. Sanders' impressive debut, characterized by poised performance and good downfield vision, has challenged the narrative about his draft slide due to his family's reputation and brand. His strong performance in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers further validated his skills in football, a sport where he aims to succeed despite initial doubts.
