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Nike's Response To Shedeur Sanders' NFL Debut Is Simply Perfect

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 3:36 PM ET

Never let anyone tell you that Nike doesn't know how to work quickly when it comes to marketing.

The iconic sports apparel brand has been partnered with Shedeur Sanders for quite a while. So after his big performance for the Cleveland Browns in his preseason debut, they moved fast in getting a message out on behalf of their client.

Taking to X last night, Nike shared a photo of Sanders doing his "Rolex" pose during his game against the Carolina Panthers. The caption of the post read "Only a matter of Time" and featured the Nike swoosh, making reference to his signature pose.

"When you get your opportunity, create your next one," the message from Nike Football said on X.

When you get your opportunity, create your next one. pic.twitter.com/YiHJUJAiov
— Nike Football (@usnikefootball) August 9, 2025

Lest we forget, Nike signed Sanders all the way back in September of last year. He went on to lead the Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-4 record, helped his star wide receiver Travis Hunter win the Heisman and even got some Heisman Trophy votes himself.

Suffice it to say, Nike may have struck marketing gold with Sanders - even if he didn't wind up going in the top 100 of April's NFL Draft.

Reaction

Fans on social media couldn't help but applaud Nike for their fast-acting marketing strategy:

"Nike didn’t waste no time lol," one user replied.

"Tried to humble him and created a monster," another declared.

"It’s weird to finally have the world behind the Browns but I’m here for it," a third remarked.

"I aint gonna lie this is tough. Just missing the watch, but yet, still tough."

"This guy loves the glitz. But greatness isn’t made for tv. If you put the work in, we’ll know this fall."

"I've seen enough. Shedeur Sanders will lead Browns to the Super Bowl this season."

There's no denying that Shedeur Sanders made an incredible impression in his NFL debut. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns plus another 19 yards on the ground.

Not bad for about one half of work in a game of any type, even if it's the preseason.

But it is, after all, a preseason game. The Panthers were not extensively playing their starters and neither were the Browns.

Nevertheless, Sanders would be getting crushed on the timelines if he had wet the bed yesterday. He did everything he needed to do to pass the first test.

From here, the Browns will conceivably start giving him more and better opportunities.

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

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