Shedeur Sanders Makes NFL Preseason Start for Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders, rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, made his NFL preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers amid high expectations and significant family support. Despite starting as the fourth-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, injuries to Pickett and Gabriel provided Sanders an opportunity to showcase his skills, marking a critical moment in his career after falling to the fifth round in the draft despite early projections as a top pick. His father, Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, has been closely involved, calling Shedeur multiple times before the game and expressing both pride and a bit of emotional difficulty with his son's transition to the NFL. Deion Sanders has also publicly celebrated his son's progress with humor and encouragement, sharing memes on social media to lighten the mood amid the pressure. Shedeur's first drive showed promise, completing a couple of passes, and he looked poised to build on that initial performance as he vies for a higher position on the Browns' depth chart. The family has balanced support with respect for Shedeur's focus, as Deion avoided attending Browns' training camp to minimize distractions for his son.