The 2025 NFL preseason is heating up, and tonight’s spotlight belongs to fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado standout will make his NFL debut when the Cleveland Browns face the Carolina Panthers in a nationally televised showdown.
With Sanders’ much-anticipated first appearance drawing attention from across the league, this preseason opener promises to deliver compelling storylines and fresh talent for fans to evaluate.
Who Will Call Tonight’s Browns vs Panthers Showdown on the NFL Network?
The Browns vs Panthers preseason opener kicks off at 7 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, August 8. However, NFL Network’s coverage begins much earlier, starting at 6 p.m. ET with “NFL GameDay Kickoff.” Rhett Lewis will anchor the pregame show alongside analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, who will break down storylines, training camp developments, and preseason intrigue.
Following the pregame coverage, the national broadcast of Browns vs Panthers begins at 7 p.m. ET. Anish Shroff will handle play-by-play duties, while Steve Smith Sr. and Jake Delhomme provide expert analysis and commentary. Carla Gebhart will manage sideline reporting throughout the game.
Shroff serves as the third play-by-play announcer in Panthers history, taking over after Mick Mixon’s retirement in 2022. Before joining Carolina, he worked with WHEN Radio and CBS Sports Network, bringing extensive broadcasting experience to his current role.
“Right down the middle dontcha know. Stanford wins it’s first game in the ACC…you can’t ice a kicker from Fargo.”
Anish Shroff on the call as Stanford kicker Emmet Kenney hits the game-winning FG against Syracuse. pic.twitter.com/lrlhlxqt49
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 21, 2024
Meanwhile, Smith brings deep Carolina connections to the booth. The former Panthers wide receiver dominated for over a decade in Charlotte, leading the NFL in receiving yards during 2005. His five Pro Bowl selections and decorated career give him unique insight into the organization’s culture and expectations.
Delhomme represents another familiar Carolina face, having quarterbacked the team from 2003 to 2009. He earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2005, the same season Smith captured Comeback Player of the Year honors. The two shared tremendous on-field chemistry during their playing days, and fans can expect that dynamic to translate seamlessly into their broadcast partnership.
With Sanders taking his first NFL snaps, viewers should anticipate detailed breakdowns from Delhomme, who understands the challenging path to becoming an NFL starting quarterback. Beyond Sanders, several other rookies, including explosive running back Dylan Sampson, will make their debuts, creating a must-watch television event filled with emerging talent and captivating storylines.
