When Shedeur Sanders finally takes the field as the Cleveland Browns’ starter this Sunday, he’ll be doing so with an unlikely but vocal champion in his corner: former tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski, speaking on Up & Adams, expressed genuine enthusiasm that Sanders has earned the opportunity to show what he can do, and made a bold prediction: that the rookie will win his first game and emerge as Cleveland’s franchise quarterback.
“He’s got a week to prepare, he has a week to get knowledge of the playbook and the plays they’re gonna run and design for him as well. Because as a quarterback, you gotta design plays for him because he’s got that type of talent. He can run the ball as well because he’s got that athleticism, so this is the week that we can judge his performance.”
Gronkowski didn’t stop there. He’s predicting Sanders will walk out of Allegiant Stadium with a win, and possibly cement his role as the Browns’ QB1 for the foreseeable future.
“You can’t ask for a better opportunity to have your first career start going against the Raiders, who are possibly, not possibly, they’re one of the worst teams in the NFL right now. So, I think he gets a win, and I think he stays consistent and he remains the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.”
A high-stakes debut in Las Vegas
The decision to start Sanders comes after Dillon Gabriel, another rookie, was ruled out as he works through concussion protocol.
In his first NFL action, Sanders struggled, going 4-for-16 for 47 yards, throwing an interception, fumbling once, and taking two sacks.
Despite the rocky start, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski saw something to build on. He praised Sanders for his grit and composure under pressure.
“He battled to the end. We were right there on that final drive. There’s so many things all of us can do better.”
He added:
“I just see Shedeur, Dillon growing a ton both with the Xs and Os … I do see significant growth in Shedeur … He’ll get every rep.”
That belief in Sanders‘ upside aligns with Gronkowski‘s: a full week of preparation, tailoring plays to Sanders’ strengths, could unlock something special.
Backed into a corner, Cleveland is giving its fifth-round pick a true chance to shine in a must-win situation.
Why Gronk’s endorsement matters
Rob Gronkowski’s praise isn’t just idle hype. As a four-time Super Bowl champion, his voice carries weight in NFL circles.
He’s called out Cleveland’s quarterback decisions in the past, noting that Sanders deserved more first-team practice reps and even suggested he should be elevated past the former Browns starting QB, Joe Flacco.
From the start, Sanders‘ NFL journey has been anything but smooth. He climbed up the depth chart slowly after being drafted 144th overall, behind veterans and rookies alike.
But now, with a clear path and a vote of confidence from one of the game’s greats, he has an opportunity to alter his trajectory.
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