Travis Kelce Advocates for Shedeur Sanders to Start for Browns Amid Fan Discontent
Travis Kelce, the star running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, has called for the Cleveland Browns to start third-string quarterback Shedeur Sanders, arguing that the team should prioritize fan demands over traditional depth chart hierarchies. During his “New Heights” podcast this week, Kelce expressed frustration with the Browns’ decision to name veteran Joe Flacco as the starter, despite Sanders being third on the team’s depth chart behind Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel. Kelce argued that fans are eager to see Sanders succeed and that the team should capitalize on the buzz around the young quarterback. “Give the people what they want,” Kelce said. “Start Shed- [Sanders]. … Put him in coach. Give the people what they want. The world wants to see him go out there, and not only play, but have success.”
Kelce’s comments came after a controversial preseason game in which Sanders struggled against the Los Angeles Rams, completing only three of six passes for 14 yards while taking five sacks for a combined loss of 41 yards. Despite his poor performance, fans and pundits continue to defend Sanders, blaming the Browns’ coaching staff for placing the quarterback in unfavorable situations. The situation has sparked intense debate, with critics suggesting that the Browns are intentionally limiting Sanders’ opportunities to prevent him from exceeding expectations.
Jason Kelce, Travis’s brother and co-host on the podcast, took a more measured approach, defending the Browns’ decision to start Flacco. He argued that the coaching staff believes Flacco provides the best chance for the team’s success and that there is no evidence of conspiracy or sabotage against Sanders. “If the Browns and Kevin Stefanski felt their best option and the most confident option they had to win games was Shedeur Sanders, they would be playing him,” Jason said. However, he acknowledged the desire to see Sanders perform, stating, “What do I want? I want to see Shedeur Sanders.”
The controversy has been further fueled by criticism from sports analysts and fans, including former NFL quarterback Derek Carr and sports talk show host Skip Bayless, who accused the Browns of sabotaging Sanders’ development. Carr questioned why Sanders wasn’t given the chance to lead the team in a critical final drive, while Bayless accused the Browns of