Deion Sanders has built a reputation as one of the most outspoken and protective fathers in sports. The Hall of Famer took a subtle swipe at the critics who questioned Shedeur Sanders’ attitude and personality throughout his rookie NFL season.
Deion Sanders Questions Shedeur Sanders’ Critics After Browns QB Turns Heads
Shedeur’s NFL journey began under difficult circumstances after sliding to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and entering his rookie season as the Cleveland Browns’ third-string quarterback. During that stretch, critics frequently targeted his demeanor, confidence, and the way he carried himself in front of the media.
However, Shedeur eventually earned the starting role later in the season and started the Browns’ final seven games, posting a 3-4 record. The young quarterback recorded 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions during his rookie year. He also recorded a 63.0 PFN QB Impact grade, which ranked 37th among quarterbacks.
Sanders is now focused on earning Cleveland’s starting quarterback job. He heads into the 2026 preseason engaged in a direct competition with veteran Deshaun Watson for the QB1 role.
Coach Prime recently traveled to the Browns’ training facility in Berea, Ohio, to spend time with and support his son. Following the visit, Deion spoke highly about Shedeur’s mindset and commitment on the latest episode of “The Scoop with Dukes.”
REDRAFT THE ENTIRE NFL: PFN’s FREE NFL Ultimate Redraft Simulator
“My son is happy,” Deion said. “My son is back to his old self. He’s back, popping it a little bit. He’s happy. He’s doing what he does. He’s out of there before practice, staying after practice. That’s who he is.”
Seeing his son regain that confidence and continue improving only strengthened Deion’s belief in him. He used the opportunity to call out those who were so vocal during Shedeur’s rookie campaign.
“And it’s funny, like some of the things you heard last season, we don’t hear them anymore. Where have they gone? So did we change, or he changed?”
The Browns have continued working through a variety of situations during training camp and have completed four of their eight offensive installs by the fourth day. Sanders’ progress has already caught the attention of Watson as he has rotated with both the first- and second-team offense.
“He’s definitely improved; he’s grown a lot,” Watson said. “You can see it within his fundamentals, his reads, being able to execute, call the plays. You can tell he’s a lot more comfortable, and that he’s been putting in the work to be able to be where he is right now.”
Since arriving in Cleveland in 2022, Watson has played in only 19 games. The veteran quarterback has struggled to consistently perform at the level expected of a player who signed one of the league’s richest contracts.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
However, for Sanders, the competition represents another opportunity to prove himself on the NFL stage. The young quarterback is determined to demonstrate that he has what it takes to become the Browns’ long-term answer under center.
Head coach Todd Monken has evenly split first-team reps between Sanders and Watson through the opening week of training camp. Cleveland is expected to make its final decision on the starting quarterback around its August 22 preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
