One member of a rival AFC North team was at a loss for words after Shedeur Sanders' first start for the Cleveland Browns.
AFC Executive’s ‘Shocked’ Reaction to Shedeur Sanders’ Browns Debut originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Given the microscope he was under and all of the criticism he received leading up to his first NFL start in Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders seemingly walked away pleased with his performance.
The rookie signal-caller completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions in Cleveland’s 30-10 victory, and he made statement to everyone counting him out of the Browns quarterback competition that he very much has a shot of earning a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.
The majority of Sanders’ reps in training camp so far have come with the second- and third-stringers, which is who he played with on Friday as the Browns rested most of their starters along with their other three QBs — Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders has already shown a strong rapport with Kaden Davis, who caught both touchdowns against the Panthers, as well as some solid chemistry with rookie wide receiver Gage Larvadain and backup running back Trayveon Williams.
Seemingly everyone came away impressed with what Sanders accomplished against Carolina, and one AFC executive even texted NFL insider Jordan Schultz, formerly of Fox Sports, that he was surprised by what he saw on Friday.
“Text from a high-ranking AFC North executive on #Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders: ‘It’s early, but wow. Actually shocked at how good he looks,’” Schultz wrote on X.
Text from a high-ranking AFC North executive on #Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders: “It’s early, but wow. Actually shocked at how good he looks.” https://t.co/sb5xKB63sA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 9, 2025
Sanders’ performance also earned praise from several celebrities on social media including Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin, Former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, former Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49er cornerback Richard Sherman, former Washington Commanders QB Robert Griffin III, ESPN’s Dick Vitale, and South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
Related: Deion Sanders Sends Message to Shedeur Sanders’ Haters After 2-TD First Half
Related: LeBron James’ Message to Shedeur Sanders During Browns Debut Catches Attention
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
