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Former NFL Player Will Compton Trashes Emmanuel Acho

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 3:48 PM ET

Former FOX Sports personality Emmanuel Acho is facing serious backlash this week because of his take on the Cleveland Browns hiring Todd Monken as their head coach.

The Browns finalized a deal with Monken this Wednesday, making him the 19th full-time coach in franchise history. Immediately after he was hired, fans started wondering what this means for Shedeur Sanders. The 144th overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft finished his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

On Wednesday night's episode of "Speakeasy," Acho basically suggested that Sanders should be hesitant about receiving coaching from Monken.

"Nothing about Todd Monken as a head man gets me excited. I need to see who the offensive coordinator is going to be. That’s what I need to see," Acho said. "If I’m Shedeur or anybody in that locker room, why am I listening to Todd Monken? What have you won on the NFL level as a head coach? You’re not even a head coach on an NFL level. So I don’t even have expectations for Shedeur under Todd Monken, because I believe any expectations I would have, he would not meet. Because why am I excited about it?"

Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) participates in pregame warmups against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images© Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.

This take from Acho has gone viral this Thursday mainly because it's so ridiculous. Even former NFL linebacker Will Compton fired back at Acho on social media.

"For the love of god," Compton wrote on social media . "Shedeur Sanders, all athletes, and literally everyone that operates on a team for that matter —please do not listen to this or take this advice."

For the love of god

Shadeur Sanders, all athletes, and literally everyone that operates on a team for that matter —please do not listen to this or take this advice. https://t.co/QfBMo6A4w6
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) January 29, 2026

Shedeur breaks silence on Monken.

After the Browns announced Monken as their next head coach, Sanders posted this message on his Instagram Story: "Time for work."

Sanders knows how vital this upcoming offseason is for his development. If he wants to become the unquestioned starter for the Browns, he'll need to impress Monken and the rest of his coaching staff.

Regardless of what Acho said earlier this week, Sanders can't afford to just tune out his new head coach. Not only would that be an awful look for him, it would negatively impact his development.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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