Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders recently disclosed the area in which he’s experienced the most development. The answer will surprise many. Rookies heading into minicamp undergo a significant transformation. Less than 90 days ago, these athletes did not know which team would select them or if they would be drafted at all.
As a result, while getting their physical component ready to compete, many forget that other aspects of their well-being need equal attention. For Sanders, despite the maelstrom of drama that surrounded him during the draft, he claims significant progress in a particular intangible.
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Describes His Biggest Area of Growth
In the last couple of months, Sanders has experienced the rollercoaster of emotions of being a rookie quarterback.
NFL quarterbacks, in a sense, mirror MLB pitchers or NHL goalies. They remain focused on delivering a sound performance that leads their team to victory. Granted, we live in an era where recordable metrics dictate the narrative and possess a grip on the worth assigned to a player.
The rookie endured a draft-fishing incident, and rumors were swirling about his character. Despite this, Sanders proclaimed that one trait grew during those trying times. NFL media member Andrew Siciliano tweeted about the rookie’s thoughts.
Shedeur Sanders, asked in which area he’s had the most growth since arriving in Cleveland: “Spiritually.”
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) June 10, 2025
“Shedeur Sanders was asked in which area he’s had the most growth since arriving in Cleveland: ‘Spiritually.’”
On balance, that may sound trite and disingenuous. However, unless you know Sanders personally, how can anyone judge the veracity behind the statement? From afar, take the events of the last six months one at a time. After a stellar college career, the prevailing thought began to center on where in the first round Sanders would land in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From there, discussion swirled around his alleged behavior during team interviews. To this day, no actual corroboration from sources inside the interview rooms will go on camera and put a face behind their words. Until then, that narrative rests in the realm of the alleged and unsubstantiated. That probably spurred the rookie into thinking that an unarmed conflict exists.
It’s a spiritual war going on. Trust in GOD
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) June 10, 2025
“It’s a spiritual war going on. Trust in GOD,” Sanders tweeted.
Following that, the football world watched Sanders’ draft stock fall, leaving Cleveland to draft him in the fifth round. On top of that, the Browns’ quarterback room became full when they signed veteran Joe Flacco and traded for former first-round pick Kenny Pickett.
Not to mention, the Browns drafted QB Dillon Gabriel 65 spots ahead of Sanders, while lurking somewhere on the depth chart, the health of Deshaun Watson looms large.
Sanders still needs to prove he can play quarterback at the NFL level, putting narratives and speculation aside. Building composure at this level almost matters as much as building arm strength and chemistry. The Browns need a quarterback who understands that their offense lacks substantive playmakers. The young quarterback will need to use his mentality and strengths to win the starting job.