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Shedeur Sanders/Images via Imagn

Jul 8, 2026, 12:30 PM CUT

Shedeur Sanders: “I am trying to be one of the greatest”

Cleveland Browns fans can’t stop debating over one thing: Who will be QB1? But while Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders dominate the conversation, the younger quarterback says he is aiming for far more than just the starting job.

“I’m not content just being on no team,” Sanders said in his YouTube vlog. “I'm trying to get right. I’m trying to be one of the greatest. You’ve got to be thankful, but know it’s still more.”

Reflecting on last season, Sanders noted that winning the Week 17 matchup against the Steelers (13-6) felt like a true accomplishment, especially after spending the early part of the year on the bench.

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“To me, that’s an accomplishment,” Sanders said on July 1 on his YouTube channel. “This dude tried to knock my head off. Last week, I was basically on practice squad. For me, my wins and stuff, like I never compared to what people think cuz it's like you're never going to be happy doing that. But that's why the whole thing I'm celebrating."

Sanders was one of the best players during his time with the Colorado Buffaloes. Not only did he win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, but he was also named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

He finished as a top Heisman contender and entered the 2025 draft as one of the most decorated passers of his class.

Despite his elite collegiate pedigree, he was still picked in the fifth round behind Dillon Gabriel and made seven starts for the Cleveland Browns, but his production didn't match the numbers he put up in college football.

Sanders finished his rookie season with 1,400 yards, recorded seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, was sacked 23 times, and finished 3-4 as a starter.

As his QB1 battle with Deshaun Watson heats up, an NFL analyst has revealed Shedeur Sanders' true character.

NFL analyst highlights Shedeur Sanders' unique ability

On the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, host Dan Labbe and Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot discussed Shedeur Sanders, and despite his disappointing rookie season, Cabot said there's one unique ability that sets him apart from other quarterbacks.

“He’s tough. He is tough as nails,” Cabot said. “Not only is he hard to bring down, but he gets back up. He took some hard hits, and he gets back up, and he never lets them see him sweat.”

Cabot believes that some of his toughness can be attributed to his upbringing under his father, Deion Sanders. That mental edge, she said, allows him to stare down even the most pass rushers like Maxx Crosby without blinking.

“I was very impressed with the off-schedule plays that he made and with his ability to fearlessly stand in there when Maxx Crosby is about to drill you and get the ball off and you know you’re going to get hit, and he just doesn’t flinch,” she said.

Cabot expressed that Shedeur Sanders doesn't need to copy or emulate anyone. Instead, he has a unique style of play that works for him.

She added that he needs to get the ball out on time, make smart decisions, and rely on his slipperiness and toughness on the field.

Will Shedeur Sanders beat out Deshaun Watson for the QB1 spot, or will his rookie struggles hold him back? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore