Shedeur Sanders Wins NFL Debut, Thanks Trump for Public Support
Nov, 28 2025
When Shedeur Sanders dropped back to pass in his first NFL start, no one expected him to deliver a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders — let alone become the first Cleveland Browns quarterback in the 21st century to win his debut. But that’s exactly what happened on Sunday, November 24, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The 23-year-old, selected 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards and a 66-yard touchdown to Dylan Sampson, sealing the game with a performance that silenced doubters and ignited a social media firestorm — one led by none other than former President Donald J. Trump.
From Third String to Starter: An Unlikely Path
Shedeur Sanders didn’t even begin the season as the Browns’ backup. He was third on the depth chart behind veteran Joe Flacco and Oregon transfer Dillon Gabriel. Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals on October 28, 2025, pushing Gabriel into the starter’s role. Then came the concussion — a brutal hit in Week 11 against the New York Giants on November 17. Suddenly, Sanders was the guy. One week of practice. No film study with a full offense. Just him, a shaky offensive line, and a locker room that had seen too many failed quarterbacks.Trump’s Unlikely Endorsement
What made Sanders’ win even more unusual was the public backing he received before the snap. Back in April, during the NFL Draft, Donald J. Trump had taken to Truth Social to question why teams weren’t drafting Sanders earlier. "What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?" he wrote. "Shedeur has PHENOMENAL GENES... he should be picked IMMEDIATELY!" His comments, fueled by admiration for Sanders’ father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, went viral. When Sanders won his debut, Trump didn’t hold back: "Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes. I TOLD YOU SO!" "He’s definitely been a supporter for a minute," Sanders told reporters on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, at the Berea training facility. "I’m just thankful for him, from even taking time out his day to be able to speak out, his support." It wasn’t the first time Sanders had acknowledged Trump’s comments. He’d thanked him publicly back in May — a rare moment of bipartisan appreciation in an era where sports and politics rarely mix so openly.
A Legacy in the Bloodline
There’s no denying the weight of Sanders’ lineage. His father, Deion Sanders, nicknamed "Prime Time," played 14 NFL seasons across five teams, won two Super Bowls, and is one of only two players in history to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. Now, as head coach at the University of Colorado Boulder, Deion has built a program known for its swagger, discipline, and high-octane offense — traits Shedeur clearly inherited. "I didn’t ask for this," Sanders said during his post-game interview with CBS Sports’ Tiffany Blackmon. "I didn’t ask for the spotlight. But when it came, I didn’t run." The 66-yard touchdown to Sampson wasn’t just a big play — it was a statement. The kind that makes scouts rewind film and coaches reconsider their draft boards. And yet, Sanders didn’t gloat. "I’m just thankful," he repeated. "One week of practice. Imagine what a full offseason would look like. It could get dangerous."Breaking a 25-Year Streak
The Browns’ quarterback history since 2000 has been a graveyard of high hopes and broken promises. From Tim Couch to Johnny Manziel to Baker Mayfield to Deshaun Watson — none won their first start. Sanders did. That’s not just a stat — it’s a psychological shift for a franchise that’s spent decades trying to find its identity at the most important position in football.
What’s Next? A Tough Test Against the 49ers
The Browns’ next game, on Sunday, December 1, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, pits Sanders against the San Francisco 49ers — a team with one of the NFL’s most aggressive defenses. If Sanders can move the chains against Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, the narrative won’t just be about Trump’s tweets anymore. It’ll be about whether a fifth-round pick, raised in the shadow of a legend, can become the real deal. "Nobody cares if this was one week of prep," Sanders said, his voice firm. "Who cares? So a lot of people want to see me fail — it ain’t gonna happen. It ain’t gonna happen." And for now, in a league full of noise, that’s the sound that matters most.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Shedeur Sanders get into the NFL if he was picked so late?
Despite his pedigree, Sanders was considered a risky pick due to his inconsistent college play at Colorado and questions about his decision-making under pressure. Teams were wary of his footwork and pocket presence, which caused him to fall to the fifth round (144th overall). But the Browns’ coaching staff saw his arm talent and poise in high-pressure situations — traits they believed could develop with proper coaching. His debut win proved their instincts right.
Why is Donald Trump’s support significant for a young NFL player?
Trump’s public endorsements carry outsized influence among certain fan bases and media outlets. His early draft comments helped elevate Sanders’ profile beyond typical rookie hype, turning him into a cultural talking point. For Sanders, whose father is a polarizing figure in sports, Trump’s support provided unexpected validation — especially from a political figure who rarely comments on NFL drafts. It also added pressure, but Sanders has handled it with surprising maturity.
What makes Shedeur Sanders’ debut historic for the Cleveland Browns?
Since 2000, no Browns quarterback has won his first career start — a 25-year streak broken by Sanders on November 24, 2025. The franchise has cycled through 15 starting QBs in that span, including high-profile busts like Tim Couch and Johnny Manziel. Sanders’ win isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a symbolic turning point for a team that’s long struggled to find stability at the position.
How has Deion Sanders influenced Shedeur’s career?
Deion Sanders didn’t just pass on athletic genes — he passed on a mindset. As head coach at Colorado, he created a high-energy, film-heavy program that emphasized accountability and swagger. Shedeur thrived in that environment, learning to read defenses under pressure and develop leadership early. His poise in the NFL debut — even after a turnover — mirrors his father’s trademark calm under chaos. Deion’s legacy isn’t just about being a Hall of Famer; it’s about how he’s raised and coached his son to thrive.
What are the Browns’ chances with Shedeur Sanders as their starter?
The Browns are 5-6 and fighting for a playoff spot. Sanders’ debut win gave them momentum, but their upcoming game against the 49ers — a top-five defense — will be a true test. If he can manage the game, avoid turnovers, and connect with receivers like Isaiah Bond and Jerome Ford, the Browns could make a late push. His ceiling isn’t just as a starter — he could become the franchise QB they’ve searched for since 2000.
Will Trump continue to comment on Shedeur Sanders’ games?
Given Trump’s pattern of public commentary on sports figures he supports — from LeBron James to Patrick Mahomes — it’s likely he’ll keep posting. His tweets aren’t just praise; they’re part of his broader narrative of "seeing talent others miss." If Sanders continues to win, expect more "I TOLD YOU SO" posts. For Sanders, it’s a double-edged sword: more visibility, but also more scrutiny.