Shedeur Sanders was recently selected as a Pro Bowl replacement player for Drake Maye. The New England Patriots quarterback wouldn’t be participating because he’s headed to the Super Bowl, which helped Sanders get his first Pro Bowl nod.
That has turned into a big controversy over the last few days. Many believe that the Cleveland Browns quarterback doesn’t deserve that honor and that including him makes the Pro Bowl lose credibility.
Former NFL star Tyrann Mathieu recently added his two cents to the discussion. Mathieu is also among those who believe that Sanders shouldn’t have been added to the lineup. The 33-year-old didn’t mince his words while calling out the league for rewarding mediocrity.
“Shedeur Sanders has been named a Pro Bowl replacement player. In what world?” Mathieu SAID. “That’s what I don’t like, bro. We can not reward mediocracy. Like, we can not reward it. I’m sorry.”
The criticism against Sanders isn’t completely uncalled for. He sat out for more than half the season, waiting in line behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. When he got his opportunity, he showed flashes of brilliance.
Sanders finished the season with 1400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Overall, his numbers don’t qualify for a Pro Bowl honor.
“If you have more interceptions than touchdowns, bro. There’s no way you should be rewarded, bro,” he added.
While the criticism is very loud, Sanders’ father, Deion, recently stated that he was proud of him. It took Deion three seasons to get his first Pro Bowl nod, whereas Shedeur has done it in his rookie year.
What should’ve been a moment of celebration for the young quarterback has turned into a controversy, and there are many credible voices adding their takes to this discussion.
Cam Newton on Why Shedeur Sanders Got His Pro Bowl Nod
Sanders’ numbers are definitely questionable. His impact on the Browns wasn’t felt as much as it should’ve considering he’s getting a Pro Bowl honor for the same. However, when it comes to the outside noise, Sanders did better than most players in the league.
The quarterback came into the league with a lot of hype. From the drama surrounding his draft and being benched by the coach in the first stretch of the season, Sanders’ name continued to get bigger in the media. Cam Newton believes that’s why he received his Pro Bowl nod.
“When you talk about how did Shedeur make it and they ain’t even got Trevor Lawrence? Man, look, bro, it’s a popularity contest at the end of the day. Because it’s still a business,” he said.
If it really is just a popularity contest now, then there aren’t many players better than Sanders. But as far as the numbers and productivity are concerned, his first Pro Bowl honor will remain marred in controversy.
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