Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to the national anthem before the game between the Browns and the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

'Make the best decision for YOU': Deion Sanders Breaks Silence as Debate Over Son Shedeur’s Starting QB Role Explodes

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Heena Singh | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 8:19 PM ET

On September 5, Deion Sanders used Instagram to address decision-making and adversity just as speculation over his son, Shedeur Sanders’ starting QB role with the Cleveland Browns, peaked. He posted a message urging followers to handle challenges thoughtfully:

“How do u deal with adversity? Do u stand up to it, devise a plan to conquer it? Do u allow it to get in your head & detour u from your goals & dreams or do u hand it over to God. All of us are different & our decisions are as well so choose wisely, time is of value. #CoachPrime”

He added in the caption:

“Your choices matter greatly so take your time pray about it and make the best decision for YOU!”

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Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns confirmed Joe Flacco will start this season at quarterback, with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders backing him up. Gabriel opens as Flacco’s primary backup; Sanders enters as the No. 3 QB.

Despite his third-string status, Sanders is drawing outsized attention because of both his college résumé and his Hall-of-Fame father. Many in league circles believe he could ascend quickly. Former NFL linebacker Channing Crowder made that prediction on The Pivot podcast:

“Joe Flacco is 716 years old. Shedeur Sanders is about to be the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns here coming up in a month or two.”

The rookie signed a four-year, $4.6M contract with Cleveland, averaging about $1.15 million per season, having been drafted in the fifth round. For now, Kevin Stefanski’s depth chart keeps Sanders in development mode. However, public debate over when he’ll play has become one of the Browns’ most closely watched storylines.

Shedeur Sanders’ GPA Resurfaces Before NFL Season

Shedeur Sanders enters this season as the Browns’ No. 3 quarterback. He slid from first-round projections to a fifth-round pick but made the 53-man roster. At Colorado in 2024 he completed 353 of 477 passes for 4,134 yards, 37 TDs and 10 interceptions.

His academics, though, match his on-field résumé. Athlon Sports reported a 3.9 GPA at Trinity Christian (Cedar Hill, Texas) and a near-4.0 finish at Colorado. The Buffaloes also posted a team GPA above 3.00 for the first time.

Deion Sanders alluded to that work ethic back in 2018 [ The Mirror]: