Shedeur Sanders drew the most attention of any rookie this offseason. The former Colorado quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders fell 143 spots in one of the most dramatic draft slides in recent memory.
Sanders entered the NFL needing to prove his worth while changing perceptions about his confidence level. Even a lighthearted team video has sparked debate among Cleveland Browns fans about his approach to the game, highlighting the scrutiny the rookie is under.
Why Are Browns Fans Criticizing Shedeur Sanders Over a Simple Drill?
Playing quarterback in the NFL comes with unique pressure. You’re not just running plays but representing the franchise and dealing with constant media attention.
Sanders tried to show his personality during his early days with Cleveland, but many fans weren’t buying what he was selling. In a recent video showing Sanders participating in a reaction-time drill, he struggled with the exercise but seemed to enjoy himself anyway. Some fans saw his relaxed attitude as concerning. One user on X commented, “Our franchise is cooked,” in response to the Browns’ post.
Shedeur had a few different strategies @NFLPA | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/C5zq7KIJXy
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 7, 2025
The criticism stems partly from Cleveland’s quarterback struggles over the past few seasons. The Deshaun Watson experiment failed spectacularly, leaving fans desperate for stability at the position. Because of that recent history, any new quarterback faces intense scrutiny.
Another fan wrote, “Every single aspect of this video is a red flag,” reflecting the growing concern about Sanders since his pre-draft process. His draft-day slide, controversial comments from him and his father, and even a recent traffic violation have kept him in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
every single aspect of this video is a red flag.
— BigBark (@Browns_eXtreme) July 7, 2025
Many fans worry Sanders doesn’t carry himself with the seriousness they expect from an NFL quarterback. The position comes with more responsibility than any other spot on the roster. How the media and fans perceive you affects everything from endorsement deals to how much leeway you get when things go wrong on the field.
Seems like he’d rather be liked than be good.
— Ryan R Smith XL (@RS_Rocket06) July 7, 2025
What Do Sanders’ Supporters Say About the Reaction Time Controversy?
Not everyone thinks the video reveals character flaws. Reaction-time drills measure hand-eye coordination, which matters more for receivers than quarterbacks. One supporter wrote, “I need my receivers to have this skill. Not my QB,” defending Sanders’ relaxed approach to the exercise.
I need my receivers to have this skill. Not my QB
— @McNavyVet (@McNavyVet93) July 7, 2025
Cleveland brought four quarterbacks to compete for playing time: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders. While Sanders ranks as the least likely to start Week 1, some fans believe his personality brings value to the locker room. The team finished 3-14 in 2024-25, struggling with quarterback consistency throughout the season.
Dude is gonna bring the fun back. Let’s just hope he does it with a winning season https://t.co/zkU0GAPCsc
— Cam Rose (@CamRoc91) July 7, 2025
Other fans see Sanders’ willingness to laugh at himself as a positive trait. He’s not trying to be someone he’s not; his draft experience taught him valuable lessons about handling adversity. In his final collegiate season at Colorado, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns while completing 74.2% of his passes.
This is why he is so likeable. Hes not afraid to laugh at himself. I hope it works out. Would be a fun ride.
— cory (@5Mcory) July 7, 2025
Sanders faces skepticism from fans and media until he proves himself on the field. That chance might not come in the 2025-26 season, but Cleveland could set him up for a bigger role. The Browns haven’t had a franchise quarterback since the franchise’s return in 1999, making every quarterback decision feel magnified.
