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Football enthusiasts were captivated by Shedeur Sanders’ impressive preseason debut with the Cleveland Browns on Friday night, showcasing his skills in the 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Supporters of Sanders, such as actor and singer Jamie Foxx, took the opportunity to silence the rookie’s critics.
Foxx, in a social media video, paid homage to his renowned “Friday Night Lights” character ‘Steamin’ Willie Beamen while observing Sanders’ exceptional performance of 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) celebrates his touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon/ Imagn Images)
“I hear what all y’all are saying. My name is Willie – Willie Beamen!” Foxx exclaimed. “Hey, he the real deal. That’s coming from Willie. Now how y’all feel now? How y’all feel now? No matter what he do, how y’all feel now? That man playing for his daddy.
“All you haters, if you hate Shedeur, you hate football. How can you not love that story? Deion Sanders, absolute legend. Icon. Now, his son picking up the pace balling out.”
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, #12 of the Cleveland Browns, walks out of 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)
Foxx concluded his video by acknowledging Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s Hall of Fame father, who also commended his son’s performance on Friday night.
“Yes Lawd! Yes! @ShedeurSanders,” Coach Prime expressed as he witnessed his son’s impressive 14-for-23 performance, garnering praise to kick off his NFL journey.
Following the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed plans to give Sanders “a ton of reps again next week” as the Browns face the Philadelphia Eagles in their second preseason match.
Sanders was given the starting position due to injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, with Joe Flacco, the presumed Week 1 starter, not participating. Despite limited first-team practice reps, Sanders seized the opportunity and performed well.
Actor Jamie Foxx channeled one of his iconic roles to praise Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders during his NFL preseason debut. (Getty.)
Reflecting on his performance, Sanders acknowledged areas for improvement, although the league and fans are recognizing his strong start.
Sanders has set a positive trajectory for his career, and while he aims to progress further, accolades continue to pour in.
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