Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been making headlines this offseason, but not just for his play on the field. Following a promising showing at Browns minicamp, Sanders was cited for driving 101 mph in a 60 mph zone on Tuesday, June 17, raising concerns about his decision-making off the field.
Now, former NFL linebacker and current analyst Emmanuel Acho is weighing in, offering a candid take on the situation that blends criticism with perspective.
Emmanuel Acho Critiques Shedeur Sanders’ Speeding Incident Post-Minicamp
Speaking on “The Facility”, Acho didn’t hold back when discussing Sanders’ recent speeding ticket. While he acknowledged that youthful mistakes happen, he emphasized that this kind of behavior can’t be brushed aside.
“I agree with Shady (LeSean McCoy) a lot,” Acho said. “I can’t excuse it in its entirety, because at the end if the day, going 100 miles per hour, nothing good’s going to happen when you’re going that fast.”
“I did things like that when I was 21, 22, 23, 24,” Acho continued. “The brain doesn’t even fully develop until 25, many psychologists would suggest. So I don’t think it’s a good look. Obviously, it’s not that bad of a look, but it does make me cognizant of what you sign up for a 23-year-old on your team.”
At that point in a player’s life, Acho suggests, decision making can still be developing, especially under the spotlight of an NFL franchise.
“You also sign up for the athleticism,” Acho said. “You sign up for the fact that they probably won’t get hurt as often. You sign up for the fact that they don’t have to stretch or sit in the sauna before they go out to practice, they can just get up and go. You sign up for that spry of youth as well.”
Acho paints a fuller picture of what teams expect when they draft young talent. Massive upside, with the occasional immaturity baked into the deal.
“But that’s why they say, ‘youth is wasted on the young.’ Because this is what you sign up for. Joe Flacco isn’t speeding 100 miles per hour,” said Acho.
Acho acknowledged the immaturity of Sanders without completely condemning him as a person or a player.
Sanders’ Multiple Speeding Incidents Raise Eyebrows Around the League
According to USA Today, Sanders’ 101 mph citation wasn’t his first brush with speeding since joining the Browns. He was previously cited for a Thursday, June 5 incident in Brunswick, Ohio for going 91 mph in a 65 mph speed limit zone.
Just over a week after the first ticket, Sanders was pulled over again, this time for going 41 miles over the speed limit on I-71 in Strongsville, Ohio. Bodycam footage released by police showed the stop was handled calmly, and Sanders appeared cooperative.
Class Act: Body cam footage has been released of Browns star QB Shedeur Sanders, who was respectful and honest when getting pulled over by the cops after going 41 miles per hour over the speed limit.
You can tell that phenomenal parents raised Sheduer.
A model citizen on and… pic.twitter.com/jhlOkZ264b
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 19, 2025
Still, the back-to-back infractions have sparked concern. Sanders is scheduled to appear in court on July 3, and the Browns have acknowledged the situation, saying he is “taking care of the tickets.” Sanders failed to make an appearance for the first speeding citation in Medina, Ohio which was scheduled for June 16.
The 23-year-old is in the middle of a crowded quarterback competition in Cleveland, battling Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. While his on-field performance has drawn praise, these off-field issues could become a distraction if not addressed.
That said, many around the league, including Acho, believe this can be a teachable moment. Sanders has no history of off-field trouble, and his response moving forward will say more than the incident itself.