Deion Sanders Expresses Pride in Son Shedeur’s NFL Debut
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders took to the press on Tuesday after his son, Shedeur Sanders, made his NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The former Pro Football Hall of Famer expressed pride in Shedeur’s performance, despite the quarterback’s modest showing in his first professional game. Sanders noted that his son had been doing the right things behind the scenes and was living up to the family’s legacy.
In a statement to reporters, Sanders said, ‘I know the fight behind the fight. I know what’s been transpiring behind the curtains, and I’m just proud of him. Because he’s not just saying the right things, he’s doing and living the right things. That’s just who he is.’ The coach also reflected on his son’s identity, adding, ‘He’s a Sanders.’
Sanders will now be the starting quarterback for the Browns when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, following the concussion protocol of Dillon Gabriel. However, Deion hasn’t decided whether he will attend the game. ‘I’m so focused on what we have at hand,’ he said. ‘I’m not thinking about that, although I just got off the phone with him.’
Sanders had anticipated that Shedeur might make his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens but wasn’t expecting the manner in which it happened. ‘I thought the Ravens would have played better early on to provoke (Shedeur) getting in,’ Deion said. ‘I didn’t want him to get in by injury, because I’m fond of Dillon, and I want him to be successful as well.’
Shedeur’s debut was challenging, as he completed just four of 16 passes for 47 yards, threw an interception, and was sacked twice. Deion acknowledged that his son didn’t play his best, stating, ‘I knew it was going to be some inconsistencies of a lot of things, because I know football.’
The Browns, struggling with a 29th-ranked offense in scoring and 31st in total yards, have high hopes for Sanders’ ability to provide a spark. The team will take on the Raiders (2-8) on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET, with the game serving as a crucial opportunity for Shedeur to prove his worth in the NFL.