Joe Thomas has never been one to offer empty praise, which is why his recent comments backing Shedeur Sanders have resonated across the football landscape.
The former Cleveland Browns left tackle and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee made it clear that, in his view, Shedeur Sanders has the tools and mentality required to establish himself as a true franchise quarterback at the NFL level.
Thomas shared his perspective during a recent appearance with TMZ Sports, weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding Sanders‘ ceiling as a professional.
While opinions around the league remain divided, Thomas was unequivocal in his assessment.
“Shedeur has had some really great moments that allowed you to believe in him as the starting quarterback, the franchise guy in Cleveland for a long time,” said Thomas in a TMZ interview.
“Because those were some of the things that he did in college. He elevated the play of his teammates, he rose to the occasion, he made those big, tough, gritty throws down the field as he was getting hit.
We’re seeing that that play and those characteristics are translating against NFL defenses, which is a huge hurdle across when you’re a rookie quarterback, when you’re a fifth-round draft choice.”
Sanders‘ journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. As the son of Deion Sanders, expectations followed Shedeur Sanders from the outset of his college career.
He first made his name with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks before transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes, where his composure, arm talent and leadership became central talking points in college football discussions.
Those traits ultimately propelled Sanders into the NFL, albeit with lingering questions about how quickly his game would translate to the professional level.
Why Thomas sees franchise quarterback traits
From Thomas‘ vantage point, Sanders checks several boxes that evaluators often prioritize when projecting long-term success.
Physical talent is the baseline, but Thomas emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability and command – qualities he believes Shedeur Sanders has already shown.
For a former offensive lineman who spent his career protecting quarterbacks, Thomas‘ endorsement carries particular weight.
Early professional struggles have not dimmed that belief. Like most young quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders has experienced growing pains, including stretches where decision-making and timing were tested by faster, more complex defenses.
Thomas, however, views that process as unavoidable. The history of the NFL is filled with examples of quarterbacks who needed time before reaching their peak, a reality that underscores Thomas‘ patience-based approach.
The comparison point is familiar. Quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson each faced skepticism early in their careers before developing into cornerstones for their respective franchises.
Thomas‘ comments suggest he sees a similar developmental arc as a possibility for Sanders, provided the environment and support structure are aligned.
How Deion Sanders helps Shedeur develop
Another factor shaping the conversation is Sanders‘ upbringing under his father Deion, whose emphasis on preparation and accountability has long been part of his coaching and mentorship philosophy.
That background, in Thomas‘ view, gives Shedeur an advantage when it comes to handling pressure and expectations that derail many young quarterbacks.
For teams searching for stability at the game’s most important position, the decision to commit to a young quarterback often hinges on patience as much as performance.
Thomas‘ belief is that Sanders merits that investment. Giving him the opportunity to grow through mistakes, rather than judging him solely on early results, could unlock the consistency franchises crave.
As Sanders continues to navigate his professional career, scrutiny will remain intense. Still, with a respected voice like Thomas publicly backing his potential, the narrative surrounding Sanders is shifting toward possibility rather than uncertainty.
Whether Sanders ultimately fulfils that promise will be decided on the field, but the conviction from one of football’s most trusted evaluators suggests the door to franchise quarterback status remains wide open.
Read the full article here
