As Organized Team Activities (OTAs) unfold for the Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, continues to be a focal point.
While some, like former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, have hailed Shedeur’s early flashes in Cleveland, others, including Jason Whitlock, are less than impressed.
The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round with the 144th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, a surprising fall from grace for a quarterback who was once projected as a possible first-rounder.
His arrival in Cleveland added intrigue to a crowded quarterback room that already included veteran signal-callers Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, a standout from Oregon.
Robert Griffin III praises Shedeur’s poise and tape
After clips from OTAs surfaced on social media showing Sanders making accurate throws and demonstrating strong footwork, Robert Griffin III (RGIII) took to his platforms to voice admiration for the rookie.
“When you watch the clips of Shedeur Sanders, you see why his tape said he was a first-round draft pick quarterback,” RGIII said, emphasizing Shedeur’s fundamentals and presence under center.
The former Heisman winner has been a consistent supporter of Shedeur, even praising the quarterback’s mature reaction to his slide in the draft during earlier interviews. But RGIII’s comments sparked controversy in certain corners of the sports world.
Jason Whitlock accuses RGIII of playing favorites
One of the loudest detractors of RGIII’s praise was conservative commentator and host Jason Whitlock, who has repeatedly criticized the Sanders family’s high-profile media presence and branding strategies.
“Shedeur Sanders has been nominated for the OTA Hall of Fame,” Whitlock said sarcastically during a recent episode of his podcast. “RGIII made the official announcement. He’s watched the highlight clips of Shedeur Sanders in OTAs and said, ‘When you watch the clips of Shedeur Sanders, you see why his tape said he was a first-round draft pick quarterback.'”
Whitlock didn’t stop there. He suggested RGIII’s glowing commentary was less about football and more about currying favor with Coach Prime.
“What is RGIII doing here other than kissing up to Deion?” Whitlock asked bluntly.
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