Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders were supposed to be the crown jewels of the 2025 NFL Draft class, but only the former holds the crown at the moment after the Colorado alum slipped into Day 3 of the draft.
Nonetheless, both rookies have their work cut out to make the roster. The pair alongside Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty have wrapped up the rookie minicamps with their respective teams, and we have compiled the first look of each of them in their NFL uniforms.
Watch Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Other Rookies in Their NFL Uniforms
Ward has arguably been one of the least hyped first overall picks and hasn’t featured much on national television. However, he was the star of the show at the NFLPA Rookie Premier when he donned his complete Titans uniform for the first time.
Number 1.#NFLPA #RookiePremiere #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/RhwPsSarQX
— NFLPA (@NFLPA)
Sharing the spotlight with Ward was Sanders, who is slowly becoming a fan favorite in Cleveland since getting drafted 144th overall.
The former Colorado quarterback chose to wear the No. 12 jersey instead of the No. 2 he wore through Jackson State and Colorado.
First look at Shedeur in a Browns uniform🔥🤎🧡 pic.twitter.com/x4cWZZw2ww
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU)
Also wearing the No. 12 was Sanders’ former teammate, Travis Hunter, who wore the same number in college. Hunter was selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars and is expected to play at both positions in the NFL.
D U V A L #RookiePremiere #NFLPA@TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/dagvl3n4rh
— NFLPA (@NFLPA)
Abdul Carter, the New York Giants’ No. 3 overall pick, was also spotted in his blues alongside Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo.
Carter went for the No. 51 jersey after being denied the possibilities of taking the retired numbers of legends Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms.
Abdul Carter, Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo at the NFL #RookiePremiere pic.twitter.com/coA5MUTvly
— Giants Fans Online (@NYGFansOnline)
The prize of the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft class, Ashton Jeanty, also turned heads in his first look in black. Jeanty is wearing the No. 2 jersey for his rookie season, the same number he wore in college.
Your 2025 NFLPA #RookiePremiere class 📸 pic.twitter.com/t2LCJxzV5I
— NFLPA (@NFLPA)
Sanders Reveals Real Reason He Wore No. 12 Jersey
After projections of a first-round selection, Sanders had a massive draft day slide to land at 144 in the fifth round. Joining a Browns quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, his work was cut out for him.
Initially, he opted for the number 12 instead of the No. 2, which was already occupied by DeAndre Carter for Cleveland. When asked whether there was any specific reason behind choosing the No. 12, Sanders simply said he chose it because it was the best available for him.
“Why I took the number 12? It was the best available number for me. That’s it.” When asked if he would try to buy the number two from Carter, the rookie had a hilarious response. “Nah, I’m not trying to buy anything. My signing bonus ain’t that high right now.”
As everyone broke down into laughter, Sanders’ point was extremely valid, as dropping from a potential top-three pick to 144, his standard rookie contract dropped to just 10% of what he could have made.