David Reginek-Imagn Images

Former NFL Quarterback Rips Shedeur Sanders' Interview Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 11:49 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders won't be starting for the Cleveland Browns this Sunday when they take on the Minnesota Vikings. And yet, he's dominating the headlines in Week 5.

The Browns announced this week that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will replace Joe Flacco as the team's starter. Flacco struggled during the first four games of the season, completing just 58.1% of his passes for 815 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions. The Super Bowl champion struggled mightily during this past Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Even though Flacco isn't expected to be part of Cleveland's future, he's still listed as the backup quarterback over Sanders. Several reporters asked the rookie from Colorado about that decision on Wednesday.

Sanders, however, wasn't interested in legitimately answering questions. He mimed all of his responses in one of the most bizarre scenes you'll see all NFL season.

Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on from he sidelines during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Dan Orlovsky doesn't hold back.

During this Thursday's episode of "Get Up," ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky offered his thoughts on Sanders' antics.

The former Detroit Lions quarterback was a bit disappointed by how Sanders handled this situation.

"I actually don't think there is a time and place to act like that as a quarterback," Orlovsky said. "Everything you do when you're a quarterback - I don't care if you're first, second or third - is a job interview. My question to Shedeur would be: Are you helping yourself in your own building? Did that 30 or 40 seconds help you in your own building when it comes to what they think you can be in the future? And did you help yourself outside of the building? There's 64 jobs, essentially, at that spot in the NFL. Did that 30 or 40 seconds help your future there or elsewhere?"

"I actually don't think there is a time and place to act like that as a quarterback."

—@danorlovsky7 on Shedeur Sanders' reaction to Dillon Gabriel being named the Browns' starting QB pic.twitter.com/vgSklobVTm
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 2, 2025

Why did Shedeur do this?

Most people believe this was Sanders' response to former NFL coach Rex Ryan saying he "runs his mouth" too much.

“Something’s missing with this kid,” Ryan said on ESPN this Monday. “This kid talks and he runs his mouth. Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed like this. Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows. Quit being an embarrassment that way. You’ve got the talent to be the quarterback, you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”

Ryan has not yet addressed Sanders' behavior on Wednesday. We'd have to imagine he'll have something to say in the near future.

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

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