Shedeur Sanders officially began his NFL career on Friday, arriving at the Cleveland Browns‘ training facility for the start of rookie minicamp. But before the former Colorado star could even throw his first pass in a Browns jersey, his presence was already making waves on social media with none other than LeBron James chiming in to offer support.
Sanders, who shockingly fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after months of being projected as a top-three pick, has been one of the most talked-about rookies in the league.
He was selected at No. 144 overall by the Browns, a team that passed on him six times before finally pulling the trigger. But his draft slide hasn’t dampened enthusiasm surrounding his arrival-especially in his new hometown.
LeBron James sent a message of encouragement to Sanders after clips of his first practice session in Cleveland circulated online. Sharing footage on his Instagram story, James wrote: “Let’s get it 12!! 1 day at a time.”
The number 12 reference is in regard to Sanders‘ new jersey number, a departure from his iconic No. 2 at Colorado. That number was already taken by veteran receiver DeAndre Carter, sparking some brief controversy earlier in the week, but Sanders took it in stride and embraced the change.
A surprising slide and a new opportunity in Cleveland
The presence of LeBron James in Sanders‘ corner could prove meaningful, especially as the young quarterback looks to carve out a role on a crowded Browns depth chart. He will have to compete for snaps behind recently drafted Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, and former first-rounder Kenny Pickett. It’s a steep hill to climb, but one that Sanders seems prepared for.
The 2025 NFL Draft turned into an unexpected saga for the Sanders family. While Shedeur was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in college football last season, the buzz faded in the weeks leading up to the draft. Meanwhile, Cam Ward and Travis Hunter-his college teammate and close friend-were selected No. 1 and No. 2 overall, respectively. Sanders, by contrast, waited deep into Day 3 before hearing his name called.
The slide sparked reactions across the sports world, with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and other NBA stars expressing disbelief that Sanders had dropped so far. The Browns‘ decision to wait until the fifth round to take a quarterback also raised eyebrows, particularly given the team’s inconsistent quarterback play in recent seasons.
But now, with the draft in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to how Sanders can capitalize on the opportunity in Cleveland. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the team is excited about his potential, but also made it clear that nothing is guaranteed.
“He’s a talented kid,” Stefanski said during a press conference. “We’re going to give him every chance to learn the system, compete, and grow as a professional.”
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