Deion Sanders sounds off on Browns, Shedeur Sanders' rookie year

The Cleveland Browns are entering a quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders under new head coach Todd Monken.

Ahead of that quarterback battle, however, Sanders' dad, Deion, has spoken out about how his son's first year in Cleveland went. Deion scrutinized how his son was covered by the media as a rookie, stating his son "went through hell and back" in his first season with the Browns. Here is what Deion had to say:

"When he takes off his shirt, I see the scars on his back that he’s been through hell, but he’s made it through hell.”

How Shedeur Sanders' rookie year went with Browns

In his first season with the Browns, Sanders started as the third-string quarterback behind both Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. With Gabriel entering the season with the status as the higher draft pick, this was a natural ordering on the depth chart. However, Flacco was then benched, elevating Gabriel into the starting role.

Sanders finally took over the role of backup quarterback when Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. After a concussion sidelined Gabriel, Sanders made his first career start against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading the Browns to a victory in that game. He went on to lead the Browns to a 3-4 record in his seven starts in 2026, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions.