Former NFL Stars Compare Browns' Shedeur Sanders to Tom Brady Amid Starting QB Competition

Shedeur Sanders, once considered a potential first-round pick, fell to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, joining the Cleveland Browns amid significant media attention and a crowded quarterback competition. Despite concerns and criticism—often attributed to generational differences and misinterpretation of his confidence as arrogance—former NFL stars like LeSean McCoy and Chad Johnson have publicly supported Sanders, praising his work ethic and advising him not to change his approach. McCoy notably compared Sanders' dedication to that of Tom Brady, while Johnson highlighted a double standard in how Sanders is perceived. Sanders himself has refuted rumors about luxury purchases, emphasizing his focus on football. The Browns have yet to decide on a starting quarterback for the season, with Sanders competing against Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. Analysts expect the quarterback battle in Cleveland to remain fluid as the season approaches.