CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 stands on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104100
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 stands on the sideline during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104100
Jul 11, 2026, 1:55 AM CUT
Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visits Shedeur Sanders at Browns’ training camp
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was training at a high school field in Ohio. During practice, he got himself a surprise visitor, and it was none other than the current Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel himself.
The 67th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio and former football coach came down to see Sanders play. According to 92.3 The Fan's Anthony Lima, this meetup was of extreme relevance.
"There is a video, and people brought this to my attention, and I'm glad they did," said Lima on the Ken Carman show. "Got some sage words from one Jim Tressel...the national championship head coach of Ohio State...It's one of the best coaches in college football history...Does that give the edge now to Shedeur?"
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 walks off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104199
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 walks off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104199
Tressel spent a decade as the head coach at Ohio State, compiling an impressive 106–22 record across 128 games. During his decorated tenure, he cemented his legacy on the national stage with victories in the Sugar, Rose, and Fiesta Bowls.
"The best news that you've given me over the last week about Shedeur Sanders is that he's working out in front of Jim Tressel and taking coaching from Jim Tressel, who is a multiple-time national champion not just with Ohio State but with Youngstown State, legendary, and is frankly one of the most well-liked figures in football," Ken Carman said on the Ken Carman show on 92.3 the Fan.
His tips and insight can surely help Shedeur establish that lead over his quarterback competition, Deshaun Watson.
Maybe Tressel's advice is paying off because, according to Bleacher Report's James Palmer, Sanders is closing in on Watson in the quarterback battle.
NFL insider says Shedeur Sanders has "closed the gap" on Deshaun Watson
The Cleveland Browns training camp opens up in two weeks, and this will be crucial for Watson and Sanders as head coach Todd Monken will decide who their starting QB will be.
Before that, reports about Sanders being traded from Cleveland are circulating. However, Bleacher Report's James Palmer believes that may not be the case since Sanders is improving every day.
"Shedeur Sanders has closed the gap," admitted Palmer. "He is improving in terms of pocket presence. In terms of going through his progressions. All the stuff you need to play effective NFL quarterback...He has really shown improvement. He has worked while he is in the building. He has been a good teammate. He has been a guy who is really trying to improve and work hard."
Palmer also talked about how Sanders had to readjust at Cleveland. The improvement made everyone take notice of Shedeur. The analyst believes neither Shedeur nor Deshaun will be moved to any other team during this season.
This means one of them will ultimately look at a backup role. While who that will be remains a mystery, the fact that Sanders has found rhythm is good news for Cleveland fans.
Do you think Shedeur Sanders will get to start after training camp? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Sourav Ganguly
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore