Shedeur Sanders just wrapped up his first day with the Cleveland Browns, and a familiar name from the basketball world had something to say. LeBron James, born in Akron and a lifelong Browns fan, sent a powerful yet simple message to the rookie quarterback. It wasn’t long, but it hit home.
With Sanders now stepping into the NFL spotlight after an unexpected draft slide, the King’s words carried some extra weight.
LeBron James Sent Uplifting Message to Shedeur Sanders
On Friday, May 9, King James shared a clip of Sanders arriving for his first official day with the Browns. Along with it, he posted a nine-word message on his Instagram story.
“Let’s get it 12!! 1 day at a time.”
It wasn’t just encouragement, it was a reminder that this journey won’t be built in a day. That mindset is crucial for a player like Sanders, who was once seen as a potential first-round talent but dropped all the way to the fifth round. The Browns picked him at No. 144 overall, ending a nerve-wracking wait.
The slide may have surprised many, especially considering Sanders’ stellar college career. He earned the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award at Colorado. But draft day stories rarely follow a script, and his took a dramatic turn.
Even more intriguing? Cleveland had already drafted quarterback Dillon Gabriel the night before. Despite that, the Browns saw value in Sanders and didn’t let his fall continue.
James Shares Deep Connection With the Sanders Family
This isn’t James’ first time showing support for Sanders. When Sanders was lighting up college football with the Buffaloes, James frequently praised him online. But now, the stakes are higher — and so is the attention.
LeBron’s connection to the moment runs deep. Not only is he from Ohio and a longtime Browns supporter, but he’s also close with Sanders’ father — NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. That makes his message personal.
Even former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins saw something of James’ legacy in Sanders’ story. To Perkins, Sanders’ arrival in Cleveland felt like déjà vu, recalling James’ own 2003 draft moment with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Perkins believes Sanders could leave a similar impact, citing his poise and rocket arm.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also addressed the quarterback situation. Gabriel may have been picked first, but Stefanski made it clear not to read too much into the order.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t look into anything,” he told reporters. “I think you’ll see the whole weekend going through the spring. We don’t pay too close attention to who’s in there first.”
And as for Sanders? He’s not sweating it. The rookie is focused on execution, not comparisons or expectations. James’ nine words may have been short, but for Sanders, they were packed with belief and maybe even a bit of destiny.
