Browns Drop 2-Word Shedeur Sanders Statement Ahead of Debut

Shedeur Sanders is set to get his first taste of NFL action on Friday when he draws the start for the Cleveland Browns in their first preseason game.

The former Colorado star will be in the spotlight against the Carolina Panthers. Sanders is embroiled in a quarterback competition that includes fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and the newly-added Tyler Huntley.

Only Huntley and Sanders will suit up against the Panthers. Gabriel and Pickett have been dealing with hamstring injuries, and the Browns do not want to take any risks. Flacco, 40, is entering his 18th season. The team does not feel he needs the preseason reps to prepare.

Ahead of his debut, the Browns made a two-word post, prominently featuring Sanders.

“Gameday mood,” the post read, with Sanders in his game-day uniform.

Like most things that involve Sanders, it garnered a viral reaction with hundreds of comments and interactions.

“Hope he lights it up. Y’all don’t deserve him,” one fan said.

Another added, “Most watched preseason game in history about to go down.”

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Confident Heading Into Debut

Sanders has waited patiently for his opportunity with the Browns. He has not received any time with the starting offense, working exclusively with backups in training camp. The preseason game will be his first chance to build some real momentum.

“I know I lack experience on this realm and on this level, but one thing I can hang my hat on is in all pressure situations, you know who I am,” Sanders said this week. “I’m excited. Whenever it is my time to get out there, I’ll be able to be myself.”

Sanders will not have the benefit of playing with the starters against the Panthers. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the team plans to sit most of its starting offense for the preseason opener.

“Shedeur has gotten reps with all the different centers and has gotten reps with different guys throwing to them during practice,” Stefanski said. “So I feel real confident that the guys will have a good feel for who’s playing next to them, the left tackle and the left guard, that there may be some batteries that are a little bit different, but I think the guys have worked very hard to just be on the same page.

“He’s excited and he knew he was going to play a good bit in these preseason games. So the competitor in him is very excited.”

Browns Star Myles Garrett Backs Shedeur Sanders

Internally, Sanders has earned praise for his strong work ethic and positive attitude. One Browns star rooting for his success is All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett.

“He’s funny, he’s optimistic, he’s light-hearted, but he works hard,” Garrett said. “He takes it seriously, his craft and he’s watching what the others are doing and doing it his own way, which only he can. So looking forward to see him in these preseason games and how he manages the offense. He looks good, but all the guys look good right now.”

Flacco, who can still remember his first NFL action almost two decades ago, knows it’ll be interesting for Sanders.

“We’ll all be sitting there watching and be excited for football to be going real time. I think he’s probably excited about that too,” Flacco said. “I mean, your first time to go in the NFL, I remember mine. I didn’t get to play until the last two minutes of the game, but it’s something that he’ll remember forever.”

The Browns are a 6-point underdog for the matchup, per ESPN BET.