The Browns’ QB Shedeur Sanders has had quite the year, filled with draft drama, an average rookie season, and now with the QB1 battle. His father, the NFL legend Deion Sanders, made sure to offer unconditional support throughout.

The elder Sanders made it known that his son’s struggles haven’t gone unnoticed. In the Thursday episode of The Barbershop by Garrett Bush, Shedeur’s father gave an insight into his son’s time at the Browns from 2025 till now. 

“When he takes off his shirt, I see the scars on his back that he’s been through hell, but he’s made it through h***,” said Deion during the interview. “He kept going, and he matured, not like he was a child, but he matured spiritually.”

As per Daniel Oyefusi, Browns’ writer at ESPN, Shedeur started his NFL journey as the 4th QB of the Browns behind Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel.

Sanders became the backup QB after Flacco’s trade to the Bengals. His debut came after QB Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion during the week 11 upset against the Ravens.

He finished his rookie year with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and a 56.6% completion rate. 

“A lot of things that were said…it bothered me, but it didn’t bother him,” Deion concluded. “He just wanted the opportunity to get on the grass and do his thing.”

After the Browns’ voluntary minicamp in April, Shedeur told reporters that he felt “bulletproof”, reflecting on his draft and rookie year.

Deion Shares His Thoughts on Shedeur’s NFL Draft

Per Oyefusi’s report, Shedeur was the standout performer at Jackson State and Colorado. He was viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects during the 2025 NFL Draft and was ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s highest-rated quarterback.

In an unexpected move, Shedeur’s pick at the Draft dropped to Day 3 when he was the Browns’ fifth-round and overall 144th pick. Anonymous sources then added to the narrative that Shedeur did not give good interviews to the teams at the NFL Combine. 

“It was some ignorant things that came out about him pre-draft and all that, and that was a lie,” Deion said. “Like, he would never go into a meeting with headphones on. He would never go into a meeting unprepared. Like, that’s just not who he is. There’s no way he could accomplish the things he accomplished without being prepared.”

Deion concluded by saying that he’s proud of Shedeur and of how much he’s developed. He also said that he is willing to give input to the Browns’ HC Todd Monken on how to get the most out of the young QB.

What are your thoughts on Sanders being a starter QB for the Browns?

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi