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Johnny Manziel Sends Powerful Message to Shedeur Sanders Before NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 4:54 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart is set for Week 1, but the conversation around rookie Shedeur Sanders continues to draw attention, this time from one of the franchise’s most polarizing former first-round picks.

On the Thursday episode of "Glory Daze," Johnny Manziel sat down with Hall of Fame tackle Joe Thomas to discuss Sanders’ preseason, his final audition and the opportunity that still lies ahead.

"He’s still probably going out there trying to be himself and be loose and just go play the game," Manziel said. "Great to see him be pissed off that he didn’t get that last two-minute drive… I think they are protecting him and I think he’s going to get his opportunity there and it will just take time."

"I think he’s put himself in a good position, he’s said the right things," Manziel continued. "You know, you learn more through these days, like he had the other day, than the ones where you go out and you throw really well."

Shedeur & Browns. Johnny With a Good Perspective. High Praise for #12

"He's probably still going out there and trying to be himself, be loose and play the game. Last game, great to see him be pissed off. He will get his opportunity. It will just take time" https://t.co/jVVUTNurvQ pic.twitter.com/dFUquMnEUV
— JaKi (@JaKiTruth) September 4, 2025

Sanders’ NFL Preseason and Losing the Starting QB Job

The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a prolific career at Colorado, joining a crowded quarterback room that included veteran Joe Flacco, fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.

Sanders’ preseason began with promise. In the opener against the Carolina Panthers, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, briefly fueling speculation that he could push for the backup job.

An oblique injury suffered in practice the following week sidelined him for the Browns’ second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Gabriel, a third-round pick, took advantage of the extra reps, leading multiple scoring drives despite committing two turnovers.

Sanders returned for the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams but struggled behind a backup offensive line. He went 3-for-6 for 14 yards, was sacked five times for a loss of 41 yards and did not lead a scoring drive.

On August 18, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Flacco as the Week 1 starter and Gabriel as the primary backup, meaning Sanders will open the season as the Browns’ third quarterback.

Manziel, drafted 22nd overall by Cleveland in 2014, knows the weight of expectations on a young quarterback in the city. His own NFL career lasted just two seasons, derailed by inconsistent play and off-field issues.

Looking ahead, Cleveland opens the season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7. Sanders will be in uniform, but his role will be limited to emergency duty.

For now, the focus is on incremental growth. As Manziel noted, the lessons from difficult days can be more valuable than those from more complete performances.

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

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