Shedeur Sanders has found a way to make headlines for the Cleveland Browns without taking a single snap this season. The second-year quarterback was named the NFLPA’s Week 3 Community MVP after making a major back-to-school contribution to students in East Cleveland.
Sanders visited W. H. Kirk Middle School and Caledonia Elementary School, where he surprised students by helping distribute 500 custom backpacks filled with essential school supplies.
The young students also received food from Pizza Hut and Pammy’s Ice Cream, turning the visits into memorable afternoons for the Cleveland community.
The recognition comes while Sanders remains Cleveland’s No. 2 quarterback. Head coach Todd Monken selected Deshaun Watson as the team’s starter after the two quarterbacks competed during training camp.
Sanders has yet to appear in a regular-season game, but he’s continued to attract attention away from the field through his community work.
Sanders turns community work into meaningful recognition
The NFLPA’s Community MVP program recognizes players who make significant contributions in the communities connected to their teams. Sanders’ selection also comes with a $10,000 donation from the players’ union to his Legendary Impact Foundation.
That money could help Sanders continue supporting young people through future initiatives. The quarterback has made community involvement an important part of his public work since entering the NFL, including youth football activities and efforts supporting people in need.
During his school visits, Sanders made clear that his goal wasn’t simply to hand out backpacks and leave.
“What matters most is those kids knowing they are seen, they are heard, and they are felt,” said Sanders.
He also explained that he intentionally chose to visit an area that doesn’t always receive positive attention, saying he enjoys going to places where people might not otherwise look for uplifting stories.
The award arrives as Sanders continues to wait for his opportunity on the football field. Watson remains ahead of him on Cleveland’s depth chart and strengthened his position with a strong performance in the Browns’ 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in the win, including two second-half scoring drives that helped Cleveland overcome a slow offensive start.
The current situation hasn’t prevented Sanders from making an impact. His role as the backup means his playing opportunities could depend on circumstances involving Watson, but there’s no guarantee of when his next chance will arrive.
Until then, Sanders is finding other ways to establish himself in Cleveland. The Community MVP award provides recognition for that work while giving his foundation additional resources to continue helping young people.
Although his statistics remain unchanged because he hasn’t played, Sanders has still managed to produce a meaningful result during his time away from the field.
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