After Shedeur Sanders’ NFL journey began with a rocky start, as he was drafted 144th overall, the former Colorado star is set for his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.
Shedeur has been subjected to a lot of negativity throughout the season, with many analysts opining that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is deliberately sabotaging his career by not discussing him, not giving him enough opportunities, and not giving him any first-team reps.
Now that Shedeur is getting his chance to shine, as Dillon Gabriel is out on concussion protocol, the ex-Colorado QB is putting in his 100% to make it count, according to journalist Dianna Russini.
“He took all the first-team reps on the field with Cleveland’s starters for the first time this week, and people inside the Browns building say there’s been a calm about Sanders that sticks out. Coaches and teammates have watched him roam the halls with his iPad under his arm, bouncing from meeting to meeting, stopping for extra one-on-one sessions with coach Kevin Stefanski. For a third-day pick who barely took reps earlier in the season, Sanders is, as one Browns player described it, “treating this start like a final exam he can’t fail,” Russini said.
“Sanders has done everything possible to prepare, I’ve been told. He’s not in the league simply to fill a roster spot; he’s here to make a statement. Sunday isn’t just a first start. It’s Sanders’ opportunity to rewrite the narrative,” she added.
Oh man.
Shedeur Sanders is ready to go for this first Browns start.
Really encouraging stuff.
via Dianna Russini pic.twitter.com/qqy9dJHWyE
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) November 22, 2025
Deion Sanders Speaks on Attending Shedeur Sanders’ First NFL Start
Deion Sanders admitted that he felt emotional as he saw his son, Shedeur Sanders, play his first snap during the Ravens showdown when Dillon Gabriel was taken out of the field during the third quarter.
Talking about his plans to attend Shedeur’s first NFL start, Deion told the media that he isn’t sure if he will be marking his attendance for the Raiders showdown despite being urged to go.
Coach Prime said that while he believes Shedeur wants him to be there, he doesn’t want any distractions for his son, who is making his first NFL start.
“You think, you know, he came all the way up here to see you. So, that’s even a shorter trip to go see him. You start thinking that as a dad. Because you know what it would mean to him if he just gets a glimpse of you before he walks out.” Deion said.
The Browns will take on the Raiders on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
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