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Jimmy Haslam, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, discussed the decision-making process that led to the team selecting Shedeur Sanders in the recent draft.
Haslam revealed that initially, the team had no plans to draft Sanders after he unexpectedly slipped out of the third round on April 25. However, on the following day, during a conversation among team executives, their stance changed.
“If you had asked me on Friday night [Day 2 of the NFL Draft], ‘Are you going to pick Shedeur?’ I would have said, ‘No way,'” Haslam stated on Tuesday. “But we had a discussion early that morning [Day 3], and another one later that day, with the right people involved in the conversation.”
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns takes a break during NFL football practice in Berea, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)
Haslam also credited the team’s general manager, Andrew Berry, with making the final call to draft Sanders.
“Ultimately, that decision falls on [general manager] Andrew Berry. Andrew was the one who chose to select Shedeur. Just like determining the starting lineup or calling plays is the responsibility of [head coach] Kevin [Stefanski], this decision was Andrew’s. He made the call.”
Sanders, who was predicted by some experts to be a top contender for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft following his performance in last year’s college football season, ended up being selected as the 144th pick by the Browns.
Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders celebrates after breaking away for a big gain during practice, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea. (Jeff Lange/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Berry mentioned in a press conference on April 26 that the team did not initially plan to select a second quarterback after picking Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel earlier.
“Our intention wasn’t to draft two quarterbacks over the weekend, but as we always emphasize, we believe in selecting the best available player. We also consider the value of each position. We didn’t anticipate him being available in the fifth round,” Berry explained.
“We believe in fostering competition in every position group. Therefore, adding him to compete with the other quarterbacks in the room was the right move.”
Sanders’ time with the Browns has already faced controversy after he received two speeding tickets.
He was first cited for driving 91 mph in a 65-mph zone. Two weeks later, he was caught going 101 mph in a 60-mph zone and did not attend the court hearing.
The rookie quarterback addressed these incidents during a charity softball game hosted by his teammate, David Njoku, last month.
“I made some poor personal choices, and I take full responsibility for them,” Sanders acknowledged. “I made some mistakes… I have learned from them.”
NFL rookie Shedeur Sanders was pulled over by police twice for speeding tickets. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Last week, Berry criticized Sanders for his actions.
“Not a smart move. Simply not smart,” Berry told reporters. “We have addressed this with him. He understands the repercussions and risks involved. It’s not just about himself but also about the safety of others. A sudden obstacle on the road, like a deer, could lead to a dangerous situation due to delayed reaction time.”
In a stunning turn of events, a local hero saved a family from a burning building in downtown yesterday afternoon. The hero, identified as John Smith, happened to be passing by the building when he noticed smoke billowing out of the top floor. Without hesitation, he rushed into the building and managed to rescue a family of four who were trapped inside.
According to eyewitnesses, Smith displayed incredible bravery and quick thinking as he navigated through the smoke-filled building to reach the trapped family. By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, Smith had already safely evacuated the family and brought them to safety.
The family, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed their gratitude to Smith for his heroic actions. They credited him with saving their lives and are eternally grateful for his selfless act of courage.
Smith, who is a local construction worker, downplayed his heroic actions, saying he simply did what anyone else would have done in that situation. However, the community is hailing him as a true hero and a shining example of bravery and selflessness.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but thanks to the quick actions of John Smith, a tragedy was averted and a family was saved. Smith’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and always being ready to help others in need.
