Few NFL preseason performances have sparked the kind of conversation Shedeur Sanders did in his Cleveland Browns debut, and one former NBA champion has made it clear where he stands.
Jeff Teague, speaking on the Club 520 podcast alongside DJ Wells and Bishop B. Henn, couldn’t hide his support for the rookie QB, especially after watching the wave of criticism following Sanders since draft night.
Why Is Jeff Teague All-In on Shedeur Sanders After Polarizing Draft Journey?
Once projected as a first-round pick, Sanders slid to the fifth round, 144th overall, before being taken by the Browns. That tumble became one of the most talked-about draft drops in recent NFL memory, prompting outrage and speculation.
But on Friday night against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders wasted no time making a statement, finishing the first half with two passing touchdowns in a 30–10 win.
Teague was thoroughly impressed with his performance, didn’t mince words when explaining his stance:
“After watching how much people hate him and how bad they want to see him fall, I am all the way on the other side now. I wanna see him in everything now. I thought he was gonna get picked in the first round, and all that stuff… Fifth-round pick and y’all still hating on him?”
Breaking down the moment, Teague pointed to the surge in fan interest once Sanders was named the starter for Friday’s game. Ticket prices jumped from $12 to $150 in days. “I am just proud that he went out there and performed; he had a good game,” Teague said.
Adding to the intrigue is Sanders’ unique rookie contract. A special “Prime Equity” clause ensures he earns a percentage of revenue from merchandise, sponsorships, and promotions linked to his name and likeness. As Teague put it:
“He is too smart. He already getting, people buying them jerseys right now.”
When told reports suggested Sanders’ jersey sales had hit $250 million, Teague doubled down:
“He is getting paid more than any first-round pick. That’s why he didn’t get picked — he came here to f*** sh** up.”
The support from Teague, an NBA champion with the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks, comes despite his recent controversy run-ins. He drew heavy criticism earlier this week for saying Caitlin Clark is “good but not great,” a remark that sparked a pointed response from WNBA legend Nancy Lieberman. In Sanders’ case, however, Teague’s praise has been unwavering.
How Did Sanders Turn the Tide With Strong Preseason Debut?
With Joe Flacco resting and Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined by hamstring injuries, Sanders got nearly three quarters to showcase his skill set. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, rushed for 19 yards on four carries, and was sacked twice. The performance caught Nike’s attention, quickly rolling out an “Only a matter of time” campaign after the game.
Still, Sanders faces a long road to locking down a permanent role. NFL scouts have pointed to his lack of elite arm strength and mobility, contributing to his draft slide. But if Friday was any indication, Sanders has the poise, vision, and marketability to flip that narrative.
Now loaded with depth at quarterback, the Browns will need to decide how much of a role Sanders plays once their QB room returns to full strength. He has already won over at least one high-profile fan in Jeff Teague, and maybe a growing number of doubters-turned-believers.
