Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders is a 24-year-old quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, drafted 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he passed for 1,400 yards and 7 TDs in 7 rookie starts and is competing for the starting role in 2026 under new head coach Todd Monken.
Personal Information
Biography
From Tyler, Texas to Four Seasons of College Records: The Shedeur Sanders Story
Shedeur Sanders was born on February 7, 2002, in Tyler, Texas, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. He grew up around football in the most literal sense — his father served as offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Texas, where Shedeur played, and the team went 12-1 to win a Division II Championship. That background produced a quarterback with an unusually refined foundation entering college. What followed was a four-year college career that generated records, national attention, and ultimately one of the most discussed draft slides in recent NFL history.
At Jackson State, under Deion's leadership as head coach, Shedeur went 23-3 as a starter over two seasons, completing 616 of 901 passes for 6,983 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He won the Jerry Rice Award as the top FCS freshman in 2021, and the Deacon Jones Trophy as the nation's best HBCU player in 2022. When Deion was hired to lead the Colorado Buffaloes ahead of the 2023 season, Shedeur transferred with him. His senior year with the Colorado Buffaloes in 2024 was the peak of his college career: 353 of 477 completions at 74.0% — a figure that led all FBS passers nationally — for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 13 starts, with Colorado finishing 9-4. He set the program's career passing touchdown record with 64 and its single-season passer rating record at 165.9. The honors reflected the production: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, second-team AP All-American, eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. Most analysts had him projected as a Round 1 or Round 2 pick heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 144th Pick and the Prank Call: A Draft Nobody Predicted
Round 1 passed. Then Round 2. Then Rounds 3 and 4. As Shedeur Sanders waited, a prankster obtained his private NFL-issued phone number and called him on his active livestream, impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. The caller was later identified as the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The NFL fined the Falcons $250,000 and Ulbrich personally $100,000.
In the fifth round, at pick 144, the Cleveland Browns called. GM Andrew Berry had traded picks 166 and 192 to the Seattle Seahawks to move up and secure the selection, describing Sanders as "probably mispriced relative to the draft." Shedeur signed a four-year, $4.6 million contract on May 19, 2025, with a $447,380 signing bonus. He led all 2025 NFL rookies in jersey sales. That commercial profile and his on-field statistics would not align.
Seven Starts, 10 Interceptions, and One Career-Best Game in Cleveland
Sanders entered the 2025 season fourth on the depth chart. He made his NFL debut completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns' 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Over seven starts, the results were uneven: a 3-4 record, 56.6% completion rate, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions — the worst passer rating in the NFL among quarterbacks with 200 or more attempts. He also carried the ball 21 times for 169 yards and one touchdown, averaging 8.0 yards per carry.
His most complete performance arrived in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans: 23 of 42 passes for 364 yards, three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, one interception. The 364 yards tied for the third-most by a Browns rookie in a single game; the three touchdowns tied for second-most. The game ended controversially — with the score 31-29 in the Titans' favor, head coach Kevin Stefanski removed Sanders for a critical two-point conversion attempt, ran a Wildcat formation that failed, and Cleveland lost, ending their playoff chances. Stefanski was fired after the season. Todd Monken was hired to replace him.
Pro Bowl Replacement and a Phenomenal Offseason
On January 26, 2026, Sanders was added to the Pro Bowl roster as an injury replacement — the first Cleveland Browns quarterback selected to the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2008. The selection drew criticism given his 2025 statistics, but his jersey-sales dominance among rookies reflected a fan base that remained invested.
Sanders spent the winter in Cleveland. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged his commitment at the March 2026 league meetings: "He's been in Cleveland most of the winter, and I think that says a lot for his dedication to wanting to be an NFL quarterback and what it takes." GM Andrew Berry, assessing Sanders' spring work, called his growth "phenomenal." Sanders described his own motivation plainly: "This is the most important thing I have to do in my life. I have a house here." New QB coach Mike Bajakian identified footwork and processing as the two areas of measurable improvement during the offseason program. One supporting data point from 2025 already suggested upside: over the final eight games of the regular season, Sanders ranked eighth in the NFL in combined scramble and passing yards at 275, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
The 2026 Quarterback Competition and What Comes Next
As of June 2026, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback room consists of Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green. Watson carries a $46 million base salary for 2026. Sanders earns approximately $45 million less. Watson entered the spring as the clear frontrunner. By the time mandatory minicamp concluded on June 9-11, 2026, head coach Monken had not named a starter. His public framing: "They've both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start." The only firm deadline is the September 13, 2026 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, on June 15, 2026, summarized the state of the competition: "I still think Deshaun Watson is pretty well positioned here, but I do believe Shedeur had a good enough spring where he closed the gap some." Fowler added that Sanders "was decisive" and carried "a presence that the coaching staff might have underestimated a little bit."
At 24 years old, entering his second NFL season under a new head coach with genuine competition for the starting role, Shedeur Sanders' career arc remains unresolved. Watson is in the final year of his contract. The Browns hold two first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. The 2026 season, whatever it produces, will define the next chapter.
Shedeur Sanders: Frequently Asked Questions
Did Shedeur Sanders get drafted ?
Yes, Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (144th overall pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26, 2025. He signed his rookie contract on May 19, 2025.
Did Shedeur Sanders get cut ?
No, Shedeur Sanders was not cut. He is an active member of the Cleveland Browns roster heading into the 2026 NFL season, currently competing for the starting quarterback position.
What round was Shedeur Sanders drafted ?
Shedeur Sanders was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Despite being projected as a Round 1–2 pick by most analysts, he slipped to Day 3 of the draft.
Why did Shedeur Sanders drop in the draft ?
Multiple anonymous NFL sources cited concerns about decision-making, taking unnecessary sacks, and his pre-draft interview process. His high public profile as the son of Deion Sanders also drew scrutiny from teams about roster dynamics and distractions.
Who picked Shedeur Sanders ?
The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. GM Andrew Berry described him as "probably mispriced relative to the draft" when justifying the selection.
Who is the browns quarterback ?
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback room includes Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green. Head coach Todd Monken has not yet named a starter for the 2026 season.
Can Shedeur Sanders go back to college ?
No. Under NCAA rules, once a player declares for the NFL Draft and their 72-hour withdrawal window passes, they permanently forfeit college eligibility. Sanders declared in January 2025, was drafted, and has since signed a professional contract, making a return impossible.
How tall is Shedeur Sanders ?
Shedeur Sanders stands 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm) and weighs 212 pounds (96 kg), per his official Pro Football Reference and Cleveland Browns roster listing.
How old is Shedeur Sanders ?
Shedeur Sanders was born on February 7, 2002, making him 24 years old as of June 2026. He is currently entering his second NFL season with the Cleveland Browns.
Where is Shedeur Sanders from ?
Shedeur Sanders was born in Tyler, Texas, per Pro Football Reference. He grew up in Cedar Hill, Texas, and attended Trinity Christian School there, where his father Deion Sanders served as offensive coordinator.
Who is cleveland browns quarterback ?
As of June 2026, the Cleveland Browns have an open quarterback competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year player Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Todd Monken is expected to name a starter before the September 13, 2026 season opener.
How did Shedeur Sanders make the pro bowl ?
Shedeur Sanders was added to the 2026 Pro Bowl roster on January 26, 2026, as a replacement after multiple AFC quarterbacks suffered injuries or declined invitations. Fan voting also factors into Pro Bowl selections, and Sanders led all 2025 NFL rookies in jersey sales.
What number will Shedeur Sanders wear ?
Shedeur Sanders switched from jersey number 12 (his 2025 rookie number) to number 2 for the 2026 season. Number 2 is the same number he wore throughout his college career at Colorado and Jackson State.
What helmet does Shedeur Sanders wear ?
During the 2025 NFL season with the Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders wore a Riddell SpeedFlex True helmet. He previously used a Xenith Shadow XR during his time at Colorado before transitioning to the Riddell model in the NFL.
What is the company name for Sanders.fr ?
Sanders.fr is the official website of Sanders Nutrition Animale, a French animal feed company. It is the leading animal nutrition brand in France and belongs to the Avril Group's Animal Products Division. This company has no connection to Shedeur Sanders.
Who is Deion Sanders son ?
Shedeur Sanders is one of Deion Sanders' sons. Deion also has other children: Shilo Sanders (safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Deion Sanders Jr., Deiondra Sanders, and Shelomi Sanders. Shedeur is the most prominent in professional football as of 2026.
What teams does deion Sanders sons play for ?
Shedeur Sanders plays quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. His brother Shilo Sanders signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft and is on their roster as a safety.
Did Deion Sanders son get drafted ?
Yes. Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns (Round 5, Pick 144, 2025 NFL Draft). Brother Shilo Sanders went undrafted in the same 2025 draft and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.
Why is Shedeur Sanders in the pro bowl ?
Sanders was added to the 2026 Pro Bowl as a replacement for injured or unavailable AFC quarterbacks. His selection was also boosted by strong fan voting, driven in part by leading all 2025 NFL rookies in jersey sales despite finishing the season with the worst passer rating among qualified starters.
How much did Shedeur Sanders make in college ?
During his senior season at Colorado in 2024, Shedeur Sanders had an NIL valuation of approximately $6.5 million according to On3, with endorsement deals including Nike, Gatorade, Beats by Dre, and Delta Air Lines. Exact NIL earnings are not publicly confirmed figures.
How much did Shedeur Sanders sign for ?
Shedeur Sanders signed a 4-year, $4.6 million rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns on May 19, 2025. The deal includes a $447,380 signing bonus and an average annual value of approximately $1.15 million per year.
How much is Shedeur Sanders net worth ?
Shedeur Sanders' exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. However, he earned a record-breaking $17.7 million in NFLPA royalties and licensing payments in his rookie season alone (May 2025–February 2026), surpassing Tom Brady's prior record of $9.5 million. Including personal endorsements with brands like Gatorade, Nike, and Delta Airlines, his total off-field earnings in year one reportedly exceeded $20 million.
Career Timeline
Played under his father Deion Sanders as offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas. Led the team to multiple TAPPS Division II State Championships with a 47-5 overall record. Passed for over 12,000 yards and 166 touchdowns across his high school career.
Signed with Jackson State University as the highest-rated recruit in JSU history per 247Sports, choosing the HBCU over offers from Alabama, Oregon, and other Power 5 programs. His father Deion Sanders was the head coach.
In his first college season, passed for 3,231 yards, 30 TDs, and 8 INTs. Named SWAC Freshman of the Year and won the Jerry Rice Award as the most outstanding freshman in all of FCS football — becoming the first HBCU player ever to win the award.
Became the first college football player to sign an NIL deal with Nike following the NCAA's new NIL policy. Also signed with Gatorade and Beats by Dre, establishing himself as one of the most marketable college athletes in the country.
In his sophomore season at JSU, completed 70.6% of passes for 3,732 yards, 40 TDs, and 6 INTs. Won the Deacon Jones Trophy as the nation's top HBCU player. Jackson State finished 12-1 and won the SWAC Championship.
Jackson State appeared in the Celebration Bowl (HBCU National Championship) for the second consecutive year under Shedeur's leadership. He finished his two-year JSU career with a 23-3 record as starting quarterback.
Following Deion's hiring as head coach at Colorado, Shedeur transferred to the Pac-12 program in one of the most-covered college football stories of the year. Arrived alongside fellow transfer Travis Hunter.
In his very first game for Colorado, completed 38 of 47 passes for a school-record 510 yards and 4 TDs in a 45-42 upset win over #17 TCU. Set the tone for one of the most talked-about college football seasons of 2023.
Finished the 2023 season with 298/430 completions (69.3%), 3,230 yards, 27 passing TDs, and 3 INTs across 11 starts despite the team finishing 4-8. Averaged 356.2 passing yards per game in his first five starts.
In his senior season, completed 353 of 477 passes (74.0%) — leading all FBS quarterbacks nationally in completion percentage. Finished with 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and 10 INTs across 13 starts as Colorado went 9-4.
Set Colorado single-season records for passing yards (4,134), completions (353), attempts (477), touchdowns (37), completion percentage (74.0%), and passer rating (165.9). Also set the school's all-time career passing touchdown record with 64.
Named the nation's top senior quarterback, winning the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Also won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, was named second-team AP All-American, and finished 8th in Heisman Trophy voting. Teammate Travis Hunter won the Heisman.
Despite being projected as a Round 1–2 pick by most analysts, went undrafted through four rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. During the wait, a prank caller impersonating Saints GM Mickey Loomis called him live on his own livestream. The caller was identified as the son of Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich — the NFL fined the Falcons $250,000 and Ulbrich personally $100,000.
Selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns on April 26, 2025. GM Andrew Berry described him as "probably mispriced relative to the draft." Signed a 4-year, $4.6 million rookie contract on May 19, 2025. His jersey number #2 was retired at Colorado the same spring.
Made his NFL debut completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and 2 TDs in the Browns' 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Became a starter after injuries and roster moves thinned the Browns' QB room.
Delivered his most complete NFL performance: 23/42, 364 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 1 INT against the Titans. The 364 yards tied for 3rd-most by a Browns rookie in a single game. Was controversially benched for a two-point conversion attempt late in the game, which failed, and the Browns lost.
Despite finishing the 2025 season with the worst passer rating among qualified NFL starters (200+ attempts), led all 2025 NFL rookies in jersey sales. Also earned a record-breaking $17.7 million in NFLPA licensing and royalties — surpassing Tom Brady's previous single-year record of $9.5 million.
Added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster on January 26, 2026, after multiple AFC quarterbacks suffered injuries or declined invitations. Became the first Cleveland Browns quarterback selected to the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2008.
Walked at Colorado's commencement ceremony and received his degree before the start of his second NFL season — a personal milestone he prioritized while preparing for the 2026 QB competition.
Under new Browns head coach Todd Monken, Shedeur Sanders entered a genuine QB competition with Deshaun Watson heading into the 2026 season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on June 15, 2026 that Sanders had "bridged the gap" after a strong spring. As of June 2026, no starter has been named ahead of the September 13 opener vs. Jacksonville Jaguars.