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Warren Sapp Shows Quiet Confidence for Shedeur Sanders in Browns QB Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 12:15 AM ET

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, formerly a standout at Colorado, is working to rise through the team’s depth chart following his surprising fall to the fifth round in the NFL Draft.

Despite being a highly talked-about prospect, Sanders faces stiff competition from fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, veteran Kenny Pickett, and Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco. His journey continues to attract media attention, partly due to pre-draft criticisms and the prominent involvement of his father, Deion Sanders.

Recently, Colorado defensive pass rush coordinator Warren Sapp appeared on 97.1 The Fan, and made cryptic but supportive remarks about Sanders, suggesting that the young quarterback will prove his worth through his own actions rather than public endorsements.

“I'm not able to plead his case for him, he'll do it himself,” stated Sapp. “Just like I told you, Shedeur will do everything he needs to do to show y'all what kind of player he is.”

While Sapp didn’t offer an outright defense of Sanders, his neutrality may signal confidence in Sanders’ abilities. Some observers believe that less media hype could benefit Sanders as he adjusts to the professional level.

The 23-year-old has already been the subject of trade rumors and remains under scrutiny as he battles for a roster spot in Cleveland. Given his long-standing presence in the spotlight, a quieter approach may help him focus and develop as an NFL player. Whether Sanders can ultimately translate his college success into a strong pro career remains to be seen, but his progress will be closely watched in the months ahead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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