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Shedeur Sanders made quite an impression in his NFL debut, following in his father’s footsteps by not holding back when addressing a reporter after the game.
Sanders threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his first preseason game with the Cleveland Browns against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, sparking conversations across the football world.
In a YouTube video shared by his brother, Deion Sanders Jr., Shedeur was captured chatting with one of the Browns’ top reporters, ESPN’s Tony Grossi, at Bank of America Stadium. Although the interaction wasn’t hostile, Sanders did use sarcasm while speaking with the reporter.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Scott Kinser/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“Tony, I hope you have something positive to say about me,” Sanders jokingly remarked to Grossi. “You always seem to focus on the negative. I haven’t done anything to deserve that. I can’t recall anything positive you’ve ever said about me.”
Although Grossi’s response was not audible, they shared a laugh after the exchange.
“What did I do? How did I offend you?” Sanders questioned as he walked away.
Grossi’s assessment of Sanders was shared on ESPN Cleveland following the game.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, #12 of the Cleveland Browns, walks out the tunnel prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 8, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Browns are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their upcoming preseason game, with head coach Kevin Stefanski confirming that Sanders will receive significant playing time.
Grossi has been critical of Sanders since the start of Browns training camp, but he is not alone in his opinions within the football community.
Sanders’ unexpected drop in the NFL Draft back in April raised eyebrows, as he was selected by the Browns as the 144th overall pick. Despite not yet taking a snap, he has faced scrutiny and evaluation.
During training camp, Sanders has primarily worked with the second- and third-team players as he hones his skills at the quarterback position.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) greets teammates coming off the field after a touchdown drive against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/ Imagn Images)
The narrative surrounding the highly-publicized rookie shifted after his performance on Friday night, intensifying the quarterback competition within the Browns as anticipated by the NFL. While the starting position is currently Joe Flacco’s to lose, Grossi noted that Pickett and fellow rookie Gabriel will face added pressure following Sanders’ impressive showing in Charlotte.
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