
Former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst Rex Ryan had some harsh words for Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders after some of the rookie's recent comments.
Last week Sanders made some waves by declaring that, based on what he’s seen from other quarterbacks, he’s capable of doing better than them if he just gets a chance.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders said.
That comment didn't sit well with fans last week and certainly didn't sit well with Ryan when he appeared on ESPN's Get Up this week. On Monday, Ryan admonished Sanders for talking too much and believes he's "an embarrassment" for talking like that while he's still a third-string quarterback. He declared that if Sanders is as good as he says, he should be embarrassed for himself that he isn't the team's starter right now.
“Something’s missing with this kid. This kid talks and he runs his mouth. Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed like this,” Ryan said. “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.”
Rex Ryan on Shedeur Sanders: "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.… pic.twitter.com/onAE0caWKu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 29, 2025
Through the first month of the season, Sanders has not seen the field for the Browns at all in spite of the team's 1-3 start and total offensive ineptitude. The Browns' offense ranks 31st in points and 27th in yards.
Nevertheless, head coach Kevin Stefanski has balked at giving snaps to any QB other than starter Joe Flacco. Rookie backup Dillon Gabriel has thrown four passes in two appearances this season, one of which went for a touchdown in garbage time against the Baltimore Ravens.
It's really not clear what the Browns' plan is for Shedeur Sanders right now or even if he will be a part of their future.
It's certainly possible that the idea is for Flacco to start the season while Gabriel and Sanders develop, then have the two QBs compete for the starting job in 2026. But if the season keeps going the way it has been, Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry may not be given the chance to see the plan through.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!