Looking back on Shedeur Sanders’ wild 2025
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
2025 was always going to be a big year for Shedeur Sanders; Undoubtedly the most important year of his life. But there is no way he or anyone reading this could have predicted what happened.
On January 1, 2025, Sanders was considered 1B over Cam Ward’s 1A in the upcoming NFL Draft, and there was widespread speculation that he would not pass the New York Giants for the 3rd pick. In a worst-case scenario, Sanders would nearly round out the top 10, as the New Orleans Saints, fresh off Derek Carr’s retirement, were picked ninth.
But the first round came and went without Sanders’ name being mentioned; just like in the second through fourth rounds; He heard the names Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders finally received a call in the fifth round, going 144th overall to the Cleveland Browns.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 8, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Images)
The smear campaign appeared to continue after the draft; but two speeding tickets probably didn’t help his case. To start, the assistant coach’s son pranked him by pretending to be the manager of another team.
One coach added that Sanders’ official interview was “the worst” and that the quarterback was “entitled.” But most importantly, he’s not that good,” the coach said. Other reports said Sanders appeared disinterested in some meetings, particularly the one with the Giants.
CBS’ Ross Tucker also reported how Sanders skipped media obligations before an important college game.
If anyone was on Sanders’ side from day one, it was President Donald Trump. Trump called NFL owners “idiots” after Sanders was not selected in the first round. After winning in his first start, Trump told them, “I TOLD YOU.”
TRAVIS KELCE’S HEAD TEAMMAT MADE EMOTIONAL REQUEST FOR STAR TO PLAY ONE MORE YEAR
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
Entering training camp, Sanders was the team’s third-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco and Gabriel, and that was only because Deshaun Watson was rehabbing his Achilles injury and they traded for Kenny Pickett shortly after the draft.
Flacco was traded midseason, moving Sanders to a backup role. Sanders took over after Gabriel suffered a concussion in his second start. Literally while this was happening, three masked thieves broke into Shedeur’s home and stole $200,000 worth of goods.
Sanders earned a victory in his first start, ensuring the Browns remain loyal to their fifth-round quarterback. It’s been a whirlwind ever since, and it doesn’t look like the storm will end anytime soon. Heading into Week 17, Sanders is 1-4 with a 55.1 completion percentage with 1,103 passing yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Cleveland will have another early pick, and they also have the first-rounder from the Jacksonville Jaguars this year, so there are plenty of options on the table.
But Sanders remains confident that he’s “the one” Browns fans are looking for. One way or another, the answer to this will become clearer in 2026.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
