CLEVELAND, OH — Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made an emphatic first impression in the Cleveland Browns’ opening preseason matchup, leading his team to a convincing 30–10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. Playing with poise beyond his years, Sanders delivered two touchdown passes and showcased the calm, efficient decision-making that had scouts intrigued during the 2025 NFL Draft.
A Strong First Statement
Selected in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2025 draft, Sanders entered the NFL with the weight of expectation — not only as a promising young quarterback but also as the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. On Friday, he proved he is ready to carve his own path.
In his debut, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, connecting with receiver Kaden Davis for both touchdowns — a crisp 7-yard strike in the first quarter and a perfectly placed 12-yard pass in the second. He also added 19 rushing yards on four carries, extending plays with mobility and composure.
Coach’s Assessment: Poise and Potential
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was quick to praise his rookie signal-caller while maintaining perspective on the team’s ongoing quarterback competition.
“He’s got a ton to learn, but his poise was excellent,” Stefanski said. “He played within the offense, made smart decisions, and got us into the end zone. That’s all you can ask for in a debut.”
Sanders’ pocket presence stood out as he consistently scanned the field, avoided costly mistakes, and executed quick reads. While the Browns have veteran Joe Flacco on the roster, performances like this will inevitably fuel speculation about the depth chart heading into the regular season.
Star Support: LeBron James Weighs In
The buzz around Sanders’ debut quickly spilled beyond NFL circles. NBA legend LeBron James took to social media to applaud the rookie, posting:
“That young man looking good out there… Keep going UP!!! And I don’t wanna hear that ‘It’s only preseason’ bs…”
James’ endorsement added a layer of star power to what was already a headline-worthy night in Cleveland sports.
Proud Father Moment for Deion Sanders
No one was more enthusiastic than Sanders’ father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, who called his son’s performance “a statement” and told fans he would “be a problem” for defenses moving forward. Deion, now coaching at the University of Colorado, has been outspoken about his sons’ abilities, and Friday’s game gave him plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Browns Offense Clicking Early
The Browns’ offense looked sharp from the opening drive, with Sanders displaying strong chemistry with Davis and a steady command of the huddle. Cleveland’s offensive line provided solid protection, allowing the rookie to showcase his timing and accuracy.
The running game also contributed, helping set up play-action opportunities that Sanders capitalized on with precision. His first touchdown was a quick slant perfectly timed against tight coverage, while the second came on a rollout pass that displayed both arm strength and touch.
Looking Ahead
While it’s too early to draw conclusions from a single preseason outing, Sanders’ debut offers plenty of optimism for Browns fans. His ability to avoid turnovers, extend plays, and finish drives in the red zone hints at a bright future.
The Browns will face tougher defensive challenges in the coming weeks, and Sanders will have to prove he can sustain this level of play against first-string defenders. For now, though, his performance stands as one of the most promising rookie debuts of the 2025 preseason.
Final Score: Browns 30, Panthers 10
Key Stats:
- Shedeur Sanders — 14/23, 138 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT; 4 rushes, 19 yards
- Kaden Davis — 4 receptions, 33 yards, 2 TDs
Bottom Line: The Shedeur Sanders Browns preseason debut was more than just a good first impression — it was a showcase of potential that has both fans and analysts eager to see what comes next.
