One of the biggest challenges players face when entering the NFL is dealing with the media and all the narratives that can be built around their careers. And no player attracted more media attention this offseason and during the NFL Draft process than Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback who slid to the fifth round and landed with the Cleveland Browns.
Much of the constant media focus on Sanders stems from his father, Deion Sanders, who was a star in the NFL and coached him in college. The Colorado head coach recently missed the university’s annual camps due to an unspecified health issue, and when asked about it, the Browns quarterback gave a clear and direct response.
Shedeur Sanders Addresses Media Amid Deion Sanders’ Health Scare
Since arriving in Cleveland, no quarterback has drawn as much media attention as Shedeur, which is unusual considering the team signed Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in free agency this offseason and even drafted another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, in the third round before selecting Sanders.
And the truth is, despite what was said about him during the draft process, Sanders has handled the media well and quickly won over the fan base with his charisma, constant smile, and clear focus on football.
So when Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot began asking about his father’s health, Sanders cut her off, redirecting the conversation and offering a polite yet firm response, making it clear he didn’t want to discuss his father at that time.
“I don’t know what’s going on,” Sanders said. “I’m here not to talk about Pops, you know. I’m here for the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.
“I’m focused on learning this playbook and everything I gotta do to be the most successful quarterback I can be and the best teammate I can be. Outside of that, I don’t really have no thoughts or opinions on anything outside of this game.”
Mary Kay Cabot tried it. Slid in a question about Prime’s health, hoping Shedeur would slip. He didn’t even blink. Kept it pro — talked QB growth, being a dawg for his team, and owning that playbook. Media fishing, but Shedeur ain’t biting. 🎣#ShedeurSanders #DawgPound #NFL pic.twitter.com/4BlJBTn08Y
— Ossacin’s Ducktail (@OssacinDucktail) June 10, 2025
While media curiosity is understandable — after all, Colorado’s head coach is currently away due to an unspecified health issue — Sanders’ response made one thing clear: he doesn’t want to be constantly tied to his father’s fame.
Throughout his entire life, Sanders has been linked to his father, particularly during his college football career. This comes with both advantages and drawbacks. Growing up in a financially stable household with all the football knowledge he could need certainly helped, but it also put a target on his back and brought an unusual level of media exposure for a young athlete.
Now, as one of the quarterbacks for the Browns, Sanders’ job is to focus on being a professional and gradually becoming the franchise’s long-sought answer at the position. In that context, stepping out of his father’s shadow professionally might actually be a relief for both the Browns and Sanders — and could help ease some of the pressure he already faces.
The battle for the Browns’ starting quarterback job in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive of the entire preseason. And while Sanders has said the atmosphere among the QBs is friendly, someone will inevitably win and someone will lose the job.
But so far, Sanders seems to be doing his part — staying away from distractions and keeping his focus solely on football.