Introduction

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, rookies often come in with hype — but seldom does anyone on the coaching staff pull back the curtain and reveal the raw, unfiltered truths of their development. That’s exactly what Cleveland Browns Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees did regarding Shedeur Sanders, and his comments were nothing short of brutal. Behind the optimistic headlines about “growth” or “potential” lies a more complicated picture: a young quarterback working furiously, mentally grappling with the pace of the NFL, and fighting for every snap. Rees’ candor is striking — and for any fan watching Sanders’ journey, it demands a closer look.

1. Who Is Shedeur Sanders — And What’s the Context?

Shedeur Sanders isn’t just any rookie quarterback. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, his path to the NFL carried both incredible expectation and scrutiny. Sanders played college football at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado, where he made a significant impact.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns selected him in the 5th round (144th overall), a surprising slide for someone with his pedigree and upside. (Wikipedia)

The Browns’ quarterback room is crowded: veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders are all competing for reps. (https://www.cleveland19.com) Rees has made it clear from the start: this is a fluid competition, not just a rubber-stamp process. (BrownsZone with Scott Petrak -)

2. Rees’ Brutal Truth: Not Just About Results, but Process

When asked about Sanders’ development, Tommy Rees didn’t lean into soft praise or platitudes. Instead, he emphasized process over outcomes.

“We want to be more process oriented than results driven,” Rees said, according to Yahoo Sports. (Yahoo Thể Thao)
He praised Sanders’ mental growth: “learning the system … calling it … having that rhythm … he’s put a lot of work … time and effort … the game starts to slow down … you can focus on finding completions.” (PFSN)
Rees also noted development “operationally,” meaning Sanders is gradually internalizing how to run plays, manage the huddle, and operate under pressure. (Yahoo Thể Thao)

He didn’t sugarcoat it — the learning curve for rookies is steep. “It takes weeks when you’re putting a new game plan together,” Rees said. (Sportskeeda)

3. Grinding Behind the Scenes

Rees believes Sanders is putting in serious work off the field. In a team transcript from early June, Rees praised Sanders: “He’s worked his tail off … on the mental side … learning … calling … having rhythm … when you do that … the game starts to slow down … he’s done a nice job.” (browns.1rmg.com)

This wasn’t just fluff — Rees’ observation has been consistent over time. In a more recent interview, he reiterated that constant improvement is the key, stressing how Sanders’ preparation has visibly improved. (Sportskeeda)

That kind of work ethic, according to Rees, is non-negotiable at the NFL level. The transition from college to pro is not just physical — it’s intensely intellectual, and Sanders is putting in the hours to bridge that gap.

4. The Harsh Reality: It’s Not All Roses

But here’s where Rees’ “brutal truth” comes in: despite Sanders’ effort, the road isn’t smooth, and the Browns are realistic.

Queue Management & Command
Rees has pointed out that the operational demands at the NFL level — calling plays, managing the huddle, understanding defensive schemes — are far more complex than what many college QBs face. (browns.1rmg.com) He believes Sanders is improving, but that mastery will take time.
Competition Remains Fierce
Rees has emphasized that all four quarterbacks in the room are getting looks, and none is a guaranteed starter. (BrownsZone with Scott Petrak -) He’s clear that Sanders must continue to earn his role, not just rely on his name or college success.
Balanced Evaluation Over Hype
While many want to hype Sanders as a future star, Rees underscores a balanced, measured approach. As he says: make the right decisions, make the right reads. (Yahoo Thể Thao) It’s not all about flashy plays — it’s about consistency, intelligence, and trust in the offense.
Realistic Expectations
From the coaching perspective, Sanders is still on a developmental trajectory. There’s acknowledgment that he won’t be perfect immediately, and that’s ok. Rees openly talks about “operational” comfort being a milestone, not just statistical production. (browns.1rmg.com)

5. Emotional and Maturity Factors

Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s the human side. Sanders has faced critiques about maturity in the past (including off-field incidents). (New York Post) While Rees doesn’t publicly dwell on these, his emphasis on mental preparation and system comfort suggests he is attuned to Sanders’ personal challenges.

Combine that with emotional expectations — being Deion Sanders’ son is no small burden — and you begin to see why Rees’ “truth” is so piercing: he’s tasked not only with teaching plays but with shepherding a young man under a high-pressure spotlight.

6. The Stakes: Why This Matters for the Browns

For Cleveland, how Sanders develops could be huge. Here’s what’s at stake:

Quarterback Depth Chart: With Gabriel, Pickett, and possibly Flacco in the mix, Sanders must prove he can be more than just a developmental arm. Rees’ honest assessment suggests Sanders is on the right path — but there’s no guarantee.
Long-Term Planning: The Browns might be thinking ahead. If Sanders can grow into a reliable starter, he may factor into their future more heavily. Rees’ investment in his mental growth could pay off down the line.
Team Culture: Rees’ comment about “process over results” reflects a cultural philosophy. It’s not just about winning now — it’s about building a foundation. That could shape how the Browns develop not just Sanders, but their entire young roster.

7. Potential Risks & Challenges

Of course, with Rees’ brutal honesty, there are risks:

Too Much Pressure: For a young QB, hearing this level of scrutiny might be mentally taxing. Not all rookies handle such candidness well.
Slower Progress Than Desired: Despite the work, there’s no guarantee Sanders’ growth will be linear or fast. Rees’ tempered optimism might hide deep-seated concerns.
Competition Might Leapfrog: If Gabriel or others outperform Sanders, his path could narrow. Rees’ emphasis on performance means Sanders can’t rest on effort alone.
Expectations vs Reality: Fans may expect big plays quickly, but Rees is signaling a longer game. There could be frustration if the public isn’t patient.

8. Why Rees’ Comments Are a Big Deal

Tommy Rees’ straightforward take is significant for several reasons:

Transparency: NFL coaches don’t always pull back the curtain on rookie struggles. Rees is being unusually honest, and that signals respect — both for Sanders and for the fanbase.
Player Buy-In: By acknowledging the work Sanders is doing, Rees reinforces that this isn’t just lip service — he recognizes real effort, which can help motivate the player.
Strategic Communication: Rees’ message helps manage expectations. Brownies fans may hope for a rocket rise, but Rees is telling everyone: this is a process.
Long-Term Vision: The comments suggest that Cleveland isn’t just thinking about Sanders for one season — they see real development potential. Rees is investing in that future.

9. What’s Next for Sanders — Based on Rees’ Truth

Given Rees’ perspective, here’s what to watch going forward:

Practice Progress: Will Sanders continue his mental and operational growth? Can he absorb the playbook faster, make quicker reads, and lead the huddle effectively?
Preseason / Game Opportunities: The more reps he gets, the more we’ll see whether Rees’ trust in the process pays off.
Decision-Making Under Pressure: Rees’ emphasis on “right decisions” means that Sanders’ development will be judged not just on big throws, but on his accuracy, pocket presence, and poise.
Competition Performance: How will he stack up against the other QBs in Cleveland? Will he surpass Gabriel or others?

Conclusion

Tommy Rees didn’t just drop a soundbite — he laid bare a philosophy and a reality for Shedeur Sanders. The “brutal truth” isn’t about tearing the rookie down — it’s about shining a light on the hard, unglamorous work it takes to become an NFL quarterback. Rees’ words suggest that Sanders is on the right track: fierce in his effort, serious about learning, but not yet at the destination. For Browns fans, that’s a sobering but hopeful narrative — one that balances the weight of expectation with the realism of growth. If Sanders can keep putting in the work, Rees’ investment may well pay dividends — but only time, and more snaps, will tell.