Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders said he appreciates the public support he has received from President Donald Trump during what has been a high-profile start to his NFL career, according to comments reported this week.
Sanders, drafted by Cleveland earlier this year, has drawn national attention both for his on-field performance and for his family’s prominent role in sports. When asked about Trump’s recent remarks praising his early career, Sanders said he was grateful for the encouragement. “Support is support,” he said, noting that he does not take positive feedback for granted as he adjusts to life in the league.
Trump had previously spoken highly of Sanders’ potential, calling him an “exciting player to watch.” Sanders said the acknowledgment meant something to him as he continues navigating the pressures of being a rookie starter.
As Sanders was falling in the NFL Draft, President Trump called out “stupid” NFL owners for passing on him. After he earned a win in his first start on Sunday, Trump gave them an “I TOLD YOU SO.”
The Browns have leaned heavily on Sanders in the last couple of games after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was injured, and he has been one of the most discussed new quarterbacks in the NFL. His father, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, has also remained a central public figure, often commenting on his son’s growth and the team’s development.
Shedeur Sanders said he is focused on improvement and consistency as Cleveland works to salvage another terrible season. He added that while outside attention can be “a lot at times,” he keeps his attention on football and values support from anyone who offers it.
“Everybody starts different places. Like I said, just because I didn’t get the summer reps just because I wasn’t in the best situation for me to be prepared to go out there and execute from a summer standpoint – that’s how life is,” Sanders said after his performance. “Everybody’s not in the best situation. But it’s no excuse. Gotta go out there and perform. There’s no choice. There’s no question.”
Sanders is now the starter even though Gabriel has cleared concussion protocols.
