Quarterback Shedeur Sanders responds to a critique from a journalist following his first appearance in the preseason games for the Browns.
In the postgame area at Bank of America Stadium, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a lighthearted but notable interaction with Browns reporter Tony Grossi after an impressive preseason game in August 2025 [1][2].
Sanders, who led two scoring drives in his first NFL game, approached Grossi after the press conference and expressed frustration about the reporter's perceived negative coverage. "Tony, I hope you have something positive to share about me. You only mention negative things. I’m thinking, ‘What have I done to you?’" Sanders said [1].
Grossi, who had initiated the conversation by calling Sanders for an additional question after his locker room exit, was somewhat taken aback but appreciated the direct communication as it was less confrontational than being called out publicly [1][2]. The interaction was filmed by Sanders' oldest brother, Deion Sanders Jr., who owns the Well Off Media platform [1].
Despite being filmed secretly, Grossi acknowledged the tone was friendly and humorous. The interaction sparked media discussion but remained a mostly amicable exchange [1][2][5].
Sanders' strong start adds intrigue to the Browns' quarterback competition. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL preseason debut, posting a 106.8 passer rating [1]. Sanders, who broke over 100 school records at Colorado, will look to build on his start when Cleveland faces the Philadelphia Eagles in its next preseason matchup [1].
The Cleveland Browns won their NFL preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers with a score of 30-10 [1]. Sanders' poise in the pocket, ability to extend plays, and accuracy stood out during his debut, and he showed no visible effects from the reported arm soreness during camp [1]. Sanders slid to the fifth round in the draft amid questions about character and adaptability [1].
[1] - [Source 1] [2] - [Source 2] [5] - [Source not provided]
Sanders, preparatory to his next American-football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, might find Grossi more amicable following their earlier conversation about sports coverage, as Grossi acknowledged the friendly and humorous tone of their interaction, which was filmed secretly by Deion Sanders Jr. Despite starting off with some frustration, Sanders' impressive performance in NFL preseason football has added intrigue to the Browns' quarterback competition.
