Shedeur Sanders Joins Browns, Wears No. 12 After Declining No. 2 Purchase

Shedeur Sanders, a rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, will wear No. 12 during his first NFL season, as veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter already claims his longtime college number 2. Sanders, who wore No. 2 throughout his college career at Colorado and Jackson State and incorporated it into his personal brand, humorously declined to buy the number from Carter, citing his modest signing bonus after slipping to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the draft slide and lower compensation, Sanders remains focused on his NFL career rather than the symbolic value of his jersey number. The Browns' crowded quarterback room includes notable players such as Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel, highlighting the competitive environment Sanders is entering. His choice of No. 12 pays homage to legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady, and Sanders continues to maintain poise and media savvy, traits often attributed to his upbringing as the son of Hall of Famer Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders. Overall, Sanders is embracing the realities of professional football while preparing to prove his worth on the field.