When Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end and newly-engaged fiancé of Taylor Swift, called for his hometown Cleveland Browns to start Shedeur Sanders, it sent ripples through the NFL world.
While many fans loved the idea, one former Pro Bowl wide receiver wasn’t having it. Chad Johnson fired back at the suggestion, creating a debate that pits fan excitement against the harsh realities of NFL business.
Why Does Chad Johnson Disagree With Travis Kelce?
Kelce, who grew up just a 20-minute drive from the Browns’ stadium in Cleveland Heights, used his “New Heights” podcast to lobby for Sanders to start over veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel. He argued that the move was about giving the people what they wanted and putting eyes on the screen.
“Start Shedeur. Give the people what they want,” Kelce said. “The world wants to see him go out there, and not only play, but have success. At this point, guys are rooting for him.”
He continued, “This isn’t anything against Dillon. This isn’t anything against Joe [Flacco]. I’m just saying the excitement is there for [Sanders] to go out there. He’s going to put eyes on the screen. He’s going to bring people to the game.”
However, on a recent episode of his own podcast, “Nightcap”, former Cincinnati Bengals star Chad Johnson explained to his co-host, Shannon Sharpe, why that logic doesn’t work in the real world of professional football. While he acknowledged Kelce’s local perspective, Johnson disagreed because front offices don’t make roster decisions based on fan interest.
“Travis is looking at it from a different perspective,” Johnson explained. “Yes, he’s obviously from Cleveland, but he’s also focused on the type of player and the excitement that’s going to come with him. You’re going to have people tuning in to watch Browns games, and you’re going to have people filling the stadium simply to see a quarterback.”
Despite understanding Kelce’s point, Johnson ultimately dismissed it as unrealistic, stating bluntly, “That’s just not the way the business works.” Johnson knows firsthand how unforgiving the league can be, as his own career ended abruptly when the Miami Dolphins released him at 34, just a few years after he had a 1,000-yard season.
Will Sanders Start the Season Under Center?
Regardless of the public debate between Kelce and Johnson, the ultimate decision rests with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. He has already made his choice clear, naming Flacco the Week 1 starter against Johnson’s former team, the Bengals.
MORE: Shedeur Sanders Reveals ‘Bucket List’ Moment With Fellow Browns QB Joe Flacco
According to the depth chart, Gabriel will serve as the backup quarterback, which places Sanders as the third-string option to begin the season.
