Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Journey: Confrontation, Controversy, and Changing the Game

Shedeur Sanders, the 2025 NFL Draft’s most polarizing figure, is making waves well beyond the football field. The young quarterback’s tumultuous rookie year with the Cleveland Browns has sparked intense debate, drawing attention not only for his athletic abilities but for the dramatic, often contentious events surrounding his selection and subsequent treatment. From stunning draft-day snubs to fiery confrontations with ownership, Sanders’ rookie saga is nothing short of a modern-day sports drama—one that has forced the NFL to confront issues of race, privilege, family influence, and player empowerment.

The Build-Up: Hype Meets Reality

Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most anticipated quarterbacks in recent memory. Throughout his college career, particularly during his time at the University of Colorado, he displayed a rare combination of precision, poise, and explosiveness. In his final season, Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and an Alamo Bowl appearance, amassing 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and a 74.0% completion rate—statistically one of the most dominant seasons in recent college football history.

As one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, analysts projected Sanders to be a top 10 pick, with some even predicting he could go No. 1 overall. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. called him a potential future franchise player, and sportsbooks had him as the favorite to go first overall. But what transpired during the draft was nothing short of a shocking turn of events.

The Draft Day Shock: A Humbling Slide

As the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded in Green Bay, Sanders watched in disbelief as team after team passed on him. Despite being one of the most talented quarterbacks available, Sanders was overlooked by organizations with glaring quarterback needs. The Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Chicago Bears all opted for other players, each choosing to ignore Sanders’ potential.

The frustration reached a fever pitch when, as the draft moved into its second round, even more teams with glaring quarterback needs—such as the Cleveland Browns—failed to select Sanders. By the time Sanders was chosen by the Browns with the 144th pick, over 100 other players had been selected before him, leaving many to question how this top-tier quarterback had fallen so far. It was, without a doubt, one of the most dramatic draft slides in modern NFL history.

Cleveland: A Complicated Fit

Though Sanders was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns, his arrival in Cleveland was anything but a warm welcome. The Browns had already drafted another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, in the third round, and this created an immediate quarterback controversy. Despite Sanders’ superior college credentials, Gabriel—drafted 50 spots earlier—was given more opportunities in training camp and preseason games. By the time the roster cuts were made on August 30, 2025, Sanders was firmly entrenched as the third-string quarterback, behind veteran Joe Flacco and Gabriel.

This decision created a toxic dynamic within the Browns’ quarterback room. Sanders, despite his media attention and superior college pedigree, was not being given the opportunities many thought he deserved. Meanwhile, Gabriel was thriving under head coach Kevin Stefanski’s tutelage. Sanders struggled with consistency during his preseason appearances, which only fueled the doubts surrounding his readiness for the NFL.

The Owner’s Controversial Comments

Things took a turn for the worse when Browns owner Jimmy Haslam made a series of public comments that seemed to distance himself from Sanders’ selection. In a press conference, Haslam admitted that he had no intention of drafting Sanders and that the decision to take him had been made by general manager Andrew Berry. “If you’d have told me, let’s see, we picked him on Saturday, right? Friday night driving home, y’all are going to pick Shedeur, I would say that’s not happening,” Haslam remarked, causing a stir within the media.

Haslam’s comments were seen as an attempt to deflect responsibility for the controversial pick, a move that left many wondering whether the owner was trying to avoid blame if Sanders didn’t work out. The timing of Haslam’s statements raised more questions, as multiple reports suggested that there had been discussions about Sanders within the Browns’ front office leading up to the draft. Haslam’s attempt to shift responsibility from himself and the ownership group to the general manager further complicated an already messy situation.

Sanders Confronts the Media

While tensions with ownership were rising, Shedeur Sanders also found himself in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons. In one of the most talked-about incidents of the offseason, Sanders confronted veteran Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi, who had been highly critical of his play. In a brief yet heated exchange, Sanders told Grossi, “I be hoping you got something positive to say about me. I ain’t seen nothing positive ever.”

Despite the tension in the exchange, Sanders handled the situation with remarkable composure and professionalism, turning what could have been a fiery confrontation into a statement of confidence. This moment highlighted the mounting pressure Sanders was under, not just from his coaches and teammates, but from the media and fans who were already questioning his NFL potential.

A Pattern of Disrespect?

As the drama surrounding Sanders’ draft slide and media interactions intensified, questions began to arise about whether race was playing a role in his treatment. Analysts and former players pointed out that Sanders, who had come under fire for his confidence and outspoken demeanor, was facing a level of scrutiny that wasn’t typically directed at quarterbacks from similar backgrounds.

The situation became even more complicated when NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson made explosive claims that the league had orchestrated a coordinated effort to prevent Sanders from being drafted in the first few rounds. According to Dickerson, NFL teams were instructed not to draft Sanders, citing his perceived “entitlement” and “attitude” as reasons for the exclusion. Antonio Brown, the former NFL wide receiver, furthered these allegations, claiming that 31 NFL owners had conspired to avoid drafting Sanders, with only Jimmy Haslam and the Browns breaking rank.

Shedeur’s Groundbreaking Contract

Despite the controversy, Sanders’ future in the NFL may not be as uncertain as it seems. Reports emerged that Sanders had negotiated an unprecedented contract, which included a prime equity clause giving him a percentage of the revenue generated by his name, image, and likeness. This groundbreaking deal was a sign of Sanders’ understanding of his marketability and a testament to his growing influence in the league.

By securing such an arrangement, Sanders has effectively transformed himself from a player to a business partner. His jersey sales—already reaching record-breaking numbers for a fifth-round pick—demonstrate the growing demand for his brand. While the NFL’s power brokers may not be happy with Sanders’ groundbreaking contract, his success off the field may ultimately reshape the economics of the sport.

Conclusion: The Fight for Control

Shedeur Sanders’ rookie year has become much more than a story about football. It’s a tale of resistance, ambition, and a clash between old-school NFL power structures and a new generation of players who are determined to take control of their careers. Whether or not Sanders succeeds on the field, his influence off the field is undeniable. His experience has sparked conversations about race, privilege, and the evolving role of athletes as businesspeople.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it’s clear that Shedeur Sanders is far more than just a fifth-round pick. He’s the symbol of a changing NFL, where players like him are rewriting the rules of what it means to be a star.