NFL Reporter Discloses Details of Unanticipated Instance when Shedeur Sanders Criticized Him During QB's Initial Interview
In an unexpected turn of events, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders confronted ESPN reporter Tony Grossi in the tunnel following his impressive NFL preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers on August 9, 2025. The confrontation was captured on video and uploaded to Deion Sanders Jr.'s YouTube channel, Well Off Media.
Sanders, who threw two touchdown passes in his debut, leading the Browns to a 30-10 victory, approached Grossi, who had been a consistent critic of him throughout training camp and the preseason. Sanders challenged Grossi about his negativity, stating, "Tony, I be hoping you have something positive to say about me. You only say negative stuff about me. I ain't done nothing to you."
Grossi, who was unaware that the interaction was being filmed, admitted he was surprised by Sanders' comments and initiated the conversation. The exchange was serious but not hostile; after Sanders' remarks, Grossi responded off-camera, and the two shared a light laugh, indicating no ill will.
Sanders pressed further, saying, "I ain't hear nothing positive you've ever said," expressing frustration over the critical coverage. Grossi appreciated that Sanders did not say what was on his mind from the podium, unlike other quarterbacks who have done so with him.
Following the incident, Sanders and Grossi saw each other at practice, and Sanders told Grossi, "all is good" and that they moved on. Grossi expressed that he did not appreciate the fact that the interaction was filmed without his knowledge.
After the confrontation, Grossi publicly acknowledged Sanders' strong debut performance, posting his bottom-line assessment that Sanders had put pressure on other Browns quarterbacks in the quarterback depth chart. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also highlighted the value of the game for Sanders' development and praised his reps and performance.
This candid moment between a rising rookie quarterback and a tough local media critic was born out of Sanders' awareness of Grossi’s critical tone towards him and Sanders' desire for some positive recognition following his successful debut. It serves as a reminder of the passion and drive that both players and reporters bring to the sport, even in the heat of the moment.
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