Joining a logjam at the quarterback position, Shedeur Sanders had a very important choice to make. While he still has to win against three other healthy quarterbacks to take over the QB1 spot for the Cleveland Browns, the number on the back of his jersey isn’t going to be the one he’s become associated with.
At both Jackson State and Colorado, where he played under his dad and head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders wore the number 2 as he turned both programs on their head completely. However, with DeAndre Carter occupying that number for Cleveland, Sanders opted to wear 12. But why 12 specifically? Let’s find out.
Shedeur Sanders Explains Jersey Change Decision
After projections of a first-round selection, if not a top-three pick outright, Sanders had a historic 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.
First, though, he chose to go with the number 12, which many saw as a clear indication of his relationship with Tom Brady, who sported the same number throughout his legendary career that spanned seven Super Bowl victories.
With some in the media arguing that Brady specifically chose not to draft Sanders as the new owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, it could also be seen as a shot by some. However, in his first media appearance following the second day of minicamp, the Colorado alum put all those rumors to rest.
“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.”
Shedeur Sanders on why he picked number 12 and if he’ll try to buy the number 2 👀
"It was the best available number for me”
"I'm not trying to buy anything, My signing bonus ain't that high” 😂
🎥 : @Browns pic.twitter.com/8jWoSVRCiZ
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) May 10, 2025
As everyone broke down into laughter, Sanders’ point was extremely valid. Dropping from a potential top-three pick to 144, his standard rookie contract dropped in worthy by close to $40 million to just 10% of what he could have made.
While he chose to deny the links to Brady, he was asked specifically about the advice the GOAT had for him following his draft slide. While not revealing the details in particular, he did have one interesting line: “My story is gonna be similar.”
Whether a shot or not, as some people have assumed, the direction for his career is clear from Sanders’ end.