NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann recently shared his analysis of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Echoing the sentiment of Browns franchise legend Hanford Dixon, Sanders is poised to earn a starting role by midseason.
Adding fresh insight and historical perspective helps round out this unfolding narrative.
Theismann, speaking with Pro Football Network, lauded Sanders for his natural talent and praised the quarterback’s work ethic.
“I know he’s going to put the time in to learn,” Theismann stated, emphasizing that Sanders has earned his reputation through commitment rather than pedigree.
“Believe me, Shedeur is not the football player he is because of his last name… he’s the football player he is because of the work ethic that he has and his desire to be not just good but great.”
That message of dedication resonated with Browns fans and analysts alike. Theismann pointed out that beyond talent and training, Sanders must win the locker room’s respect.
“[Your work ethic]… That’s how you earn respect in this game, and I believe he’ll be able to do that,” he added, reinforcing the belief that Sanders is capable not only of performing but of inspiring.
Positioned midway through the conversation with Theismann, a second heavy hitter, former Browns standout Hanford Dixon, offered a bold projection on Sanders‘s ascent.
A legend’s midseason prediction
Dixon, who patrolled the Browns‘ secondary with distinction, was crystal clear on his expectations:
“I’m going to say it over and over and over again: I think this kid, Shedeur, I think this kid is going to rise to the top. By somewhere in the middle of the season, I think this kid is going to be our starting quarterback.”
That’s a striking moment of optimism from someone deeply familiar with Cleveland‘s tumultuous history at the position, and with four quarterbacks already on the roster-veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel-the backing isn’t without merit.
Dixon‘s confidence stems from what he’s witnessed in Sanders‘s college days: athleticism, precision, and the playoff-caliber demeanor of a 37-touchdown passer with a 74 percent completion rate at Colorado.
Meanwhile, Thursday nights have been heating up in Berea as the Browns began gathering new and returning quarterbacks for minicamp and OTA sessions.
With quarterback Deshaun Watson sidelined by injury, the competition structure remains fluid, yet the internal buzz is clear: Sanders is climbing the ranks.
The Browns organization appears to mirror this sentiment. While early speculation favors a veteran starter in Week 1, there’s growing belief that Sanders and Gabriel will play substantial roles, should performances back up the hype.
Beyond the projected depth chart, Sanders‘s journey includes a broader arc: the narrative of a legacy player establishing his own identity.
Theismann touched on this, recognizing that carrying the Sanders name comes with scrutiny. “When your dad is Deion Sanders, that’s a challenge… you’re not going to make your bones… based on what Deion did. You’re going to make it because of you.”
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