Donovan Mitchell sends message to Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell sends message to Browns' Shedeur Sanders after first NFL start

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 11:28 PM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is all-in on the Shedeur Sanders hype following the rookie quarterback's NFL starting debut for the Cleveland Browns.

After snapping a three-game losing skid and leading the Browns to their third win of the 2025 NFL season, Sanders had fans buzzing. Apparently, we can classify Mitchell as one of those fans. The NBA star admitted he was the "most hyped in the locker room" after Sanders' debut, as Gabriella Kreuz revealed.

"I think I'm the most hyped in the locker room when talking about it," Mitchell said. "I said before the year started [that] he was going to start at some point."

"...To see him have a good game and the team wins, that's big time. [We] just want to show our support because he's a talented player and he gets a lot of hate, a lot of unfair criticism and all that. But man, this kid's phenomenal, and I hope he has a hell of a career. I'm a fan."

Shedeur Sanders has a fan in #Cavs star Donovan Mitchell: “I think I’m the most hype in the locker room.” ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/RI9xPOFh8x
— Gabriella Kreuz (@thesportsGab) November 24, 2025

A look at Shedeur Sanders' performance vs. the Raiders

Sanders had just one week to prepare for his first NFL start, but helped the Browns jump out to an early 14-0 lead over the Las Vegas Raiders. He led the way in a 24-10 victory, which snapped a three-game losing skid and gave the Browns their third win of the year.

While Sanders finished the day completing 11-of-20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception, it was plays like the one below from NFL.com that displayed his upside.

SHEDEUR SANDERS GOES DEEP FOR 53 YARDS.

CLEvsLV on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/dVqZbz0ESf
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025

With Sanders under center, the Browns finally have a quarterback capable of making plays happen when things break down. Although he dealt with some rookie bumps in the road on Sunday, his ability to extend the play and the confidence he brings to the offense are something fans haven't seen in a long time in Cleveland.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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