Tommy Rees Reveals What’s Really Happening With Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations and a roster full of potential, but one storyline that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike is the emergence of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Drafted in the fifth round, Sanders came to the Browns with a reputation as a dynamic college quarterback who had thrived at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado. Yet, questions loomed: could he transition successfully into the NFL, and how would the team’s coaching staff integrate a rookie into a complex offensive system?

From College Stardom to NFL Draft Night

Shedeur Sanders’ college career was remarkable. At Jackson State, he earned national recognition for his arm strength, decision-making, and leadership on the field. His transfer to Colorado’s Buffaloes only amplified his profile. In 2024, he led the Big 12 in completion percentage and earned the Offensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as a top-tier quarterback prospect. Despite this, when the NFL Draft arrived, Sanders’ name fell further than expected. Once considered a potential early-round pick, he dropped to the fifth round, selected 144th overall by the Browns. Analysts attributed this slide to a combination of factors, including concerns over his transition to a pro-style offense and questions about how his game would translate against NFL defenses.

Though his draft position may have surprised some, it also offered Sanders a unique opportunity: joining a team willing to invest in his long-term development without the immediate pressure placed on top-round selections.

Early Days in Cleveland: The Backup Role

Upon joining the Browns, Sanders found himself behind two established quarterbacks on the depth chart. Initially designated as the third-string quarterback, his role was largely limited to scout team duties and bench observations during practices. Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees, who joined the Browns at the start of the 2025 season, spoke candidly about the challenges of integrating a rookie QB with limited repetitions in team practices. Rees emphasized that Sanders’ early period in Cleveland was about learning, absorbing the playbook, and understanding the pace and complexity of NFL defenses.

In interviews, Sanders maintained a professional and measured perspective. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow,” he said early in the season. “I understand my role, and I’m focused on improving every day.” While fans often fixate on instant results, the Browns’ coaching staff appeared patient, recognizing Sanders’ potential as a long-term asset.

The Turning Point: Opportunity Knocks

The dynamic changed midseason. Injuries and performance inconsistencies among the quarterbacks ahead of Sanders created an opening. Suddenly, he was thrust into the spotlight, set to start his first NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a pivotal moment — both for the team and for Sanders personally.

In his debut, Sanders delivered a performance that immediately made headlines. Completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, he threw one touchdown and one interception, guiding the Browns to a 24-10 victory. Statistically, he became the first Browns quarterback to win his career debut since the franchise’s reestablishment in 1999. More than the numbers, his composure under pressure impressed coaches and teammates alike. After the game, he confidently addressed the media: “A lot of people want to see me fail … it ain’t gonna happen.” The quote quickly circulated across sports networks, signaling the arrival of a promising talent with both skill and poise.

Tommy Rees’ Perspective

Tommy Rees has been a consistent presence in Sanders’ development. As Offensive Coordinator, Rees emphasized the importance of patience, repetition, and a supportive environment for a rookie quarterback. In press conferences following Sanders’ first start, Rees highlighted the quarterback’s growth and adaptability within the Browns’ offense. “Shedeur has shown real progress,” Rees said. “He’s learning the system, building chemistry with his teammates, and demonstrating the kind of resilience we want to see in this league.”

Rees’ approach underscores a delicate balance: giving a young quarterback enough freedom to grow while maintaining a structured system that supports team success. It is a long-term investment, one that requires measured exposure and strategic guidance, but the early results suggest that Sanders is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity.

Challenges and Skepticism

Despite the promising start, challenges remain. Sanders’ draft fall, limited practice reps, and the inherent pressure of stepping into a professional environment all present potential obstacles. Critics have questioned whether his game can consistently translate at the NFL level and whether the Browns’ system is conducive to his strengths. Moreover, the weight of expectations — both as the son of a former NFL star and as a high-profile college athlete — adds a layer of scrutiny.

The Browns, meanwhile, face organizational challenges of their own. The offense, while talented, has areas requiring improvement, and relying on a rookie quarterback carries inherent risk. Coaches must carefully manage Sanders’ workload, continue developing his decision-making, and ensure that he is supported by a robust offensive line and skill-position group.

Media, Fans, and the Pressure of a Name

Being a quarterback in the NFL comes with intense media attention and fan expectations. Sanders has handled the spotlight with maturity, emphasizing his focus on preparation and performance rather than external opinions. His first start victory provided a compelling narrative: the underdog rookie demonstrating skill, composure, and leadership under pressure.

Tommy Rees’ public praise complements this narrative. By highlighting Sanders’ work ethic and growth, Rees provides a counterbalance to speculation and allows fans to appreciate the process rather than just immediate outcomes. It is a partnership — between coach and player — that sets a tone for how the rookie’s career might unfold.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Potential

Sanders’ journey in Cleveland is just beginning. With one successful start under his belt, he has an opportunity to build momentum, refine his mechanics, and prove his readiness for sustained NFL competition. The Browns’ coaching staff will continue to evaluate his performance, strategically increasing his exposure while minimizing risk.

For fans, the story of Shedeur Sanders is compelling: a talented young quarterback overcoming draft disappointment, earning his chance through patience and preparation, and stepping into a high-pressure role with determination. Rees’ guidance, coupled with Sanders’ skill and mental toughness, could make the rookie a cornerstone of the Browns’ offense in the coming years.

Conclusion

The headline-grabbing phrase “Tommy Rees reveals what’s really happening with Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland” is more than just a media hook — it captures the essence of a carefully managed development process. Sanders is not merely being thrust into the spotlight; he is being nurtured, challenged, and given the tools to succeed. While skepticism is natural, early signs point to a quarterback with both talent and resilience, supported by a coaching staff willing to invest in his growth.

As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Shedeur Sanders. Will he continue to rise, proving the Browns’ investment worthwhile? Or will the challenges of the league test him beyond expectation? One thing is certain: under Tommy Rees’ guidance, Sanders has been given the chance to define his career on his own terms.