Shedeur Sanders: Overcoming Adversity on the Road to the NFL
By Dan Wetzel, April 28, 2025
A Draft Weekend of Uncertainty
For Shedeur Sanders, the NFL Draft was filled with unexpected challenges. Initially anticipated to be a moment of triumph, it morphed into a period of anxiety, exacerbated by a viral prank that circulated online.
Delayed Expectations
Sanders was ultimately selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns after multiple rounds of suspense and uncertainty. The prolonged wait contradicted predictions that had him going much higher, leaving him to grapple with disappointment.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Sanders showcased remarkable resilience. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity,” he stated regarding his selection. He emphasized the importance of focusing on his potential: “I don’t ever focus on the negative…”
Concerns and Critiques
Speculation surrounding Sanders’ draft position pointed to concerns raised during team interviews. Reports emerged suggesting that he had said the “wrong things” when meeting with team executives, which may have influenced their decisions. Furthermore, doubts about his performance at Colorado added to the hesitation surrounding his draft stock.
Joining the Browns
As he begins his journey with the Cleveland Browns, Sanders will compete for the starting quarterback position alongside Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco. The decision to draft another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, earlier in the draft raised eyebrows, but ultimately the competition could benefit Sanders.
Addressing the Challenges
Sanders’ transition into the NFL hasn’t been without difficulties. His public perception was compounded by a prank call from Jax Ulbrich, the son of an NFL coach, where he was misleadingly notified of his draft status. Despite this, Sanders managed to remain unfazed: “It didn’t really have an impact on me…”
Looking Ahead
The narrative of Sanders’ draft experience serves as a key lesson in resilience. He acknowledged the need to improve certain aspects of his game, stating, “I know I have to clean up some things in my game.” With his new opportunity, Sanders aims to demonstrate the decision-makers at Cleveland were right to select him.