Throughout NFL history, it’s hard to find a third-string quarterback getting more attention than Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders.
Despite not having played in a single regular-season game, Sanders continues to be a topic of conversation. That was no different on Monday morning, when a former NFL head coach slammed Sanders for his recent comments about the league’s other quarterbacks.
Did Former NFL Coach Call Out Shedeur Sanders Over Controversial Remarks?
Despite being buried on the Browns’ depth chart, Sanders makes headlines almost every week. Last week, the rookie quarterback drew attention with comments about quarterback play across the league, which appeared to be a shot at his peers.
“If you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders said.
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Rex Ryan, who used to coach the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, didn’t take kindly to those comments. On ESPN’s “First Take,” Ryan went off on Sanders, calling him an “embarrassment.”
Rex Ryan on Shedeur Sanders: “This kid talks and he runs his mouth. Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed like this. Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows. Quit being an embarrassment that way.… pic.twitter.com/onAE0caWKu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 29, 2025
“This kid talks, and he runs his mouth like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback,’ with his arms crossed like this,” Ryan said. “Get your ass in the front row, and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows. Quit being an embarrassment that way.”
Ryan’s comments may seem harsh, but he’s not wrong. Sanders hasn’t proven anything in the NFL.
Sanders slipped to the fifth round after being hyped as a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He didn’t earn the starting job in training camp or the preseason or secure the second-string spot. He’s listed as the third-string quarterback, splitting scout team reps with Browns’ practice squad member Bailey Zappe.
It would be one thing if Sanders were simply frustrated with his spot on the depth chart or how his NFL career has started. But for a third-string rookie quarterback who hasn’t proved anything to act like he’s better than many starting quarterbacks and criticize the play of his peers is a bit ridiculous.
Sanders has always been confident, which is usually a good trait. Early on, his competitive drive was exciting to see when he entered the league, but his criticism of players who have clearly proven more than he has takes it a step too far.
As Ryan points out, if the media hears Sanders’ comments, the rest of the league does too, and they likely aren’t fans. His remarks about his peers will probably hurt his chances of earning a shot in the league more than help them.
