CLEVELAND BROWNS
Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders breaks silence over Donald Trump's comments after devastating draft slide

It was something very tough to overcome

Shedeur Sanders walks off the field after the Cleveland Browns rookie...
Shedeur Sanders walks off the field after the Cleveland Browns rookie camp practice.LAPRESSE

Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has spoken out about the he received from President Donald Trump following his unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Once projected as a top-three pick, Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him with the No. 144 overall pick after trading up. His draft tumble sparked widespread discussion, including a viral post from Trump on Truth Social, in which the former president criticized NFL owners for ing on Sanders.

Ready to shine! Shedeur Sanders arrives at the Browns' facility for the first time

"What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?" Trump wrote on April 25. "Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He's also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be 'picked' IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!"

Abdul Carter's Rookie Season: Sack Predictions & Analysis

Addressing the matter with calm

Sanders addressed Trump's comments during a media session at Browns rookie minicamp, expressing gratitude for the he received. "I was truly thankful for it," Sanders said. "Including him, there were a lot of fans, a lot of people in barbershops, a lot of hairstylists. A lot of fans of me, my craft, and my family that were there in . I was thankful that I have that foundation".

Despite the draft slide, Sanders remains focused on proving himself in Cleveland's crowded quarterback room, which includes veterans Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson, and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was selected in the third round at No. 94 overall.

Sanders took second in quarterback reps behind Gabriel on Friday, though Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed its significance, stating that rotations will continue throughout the offseason. With minicamp underway, Sanders is determined to make the most of his opportunity, showing resilience in the face of adversity. His journey to the NFL may not have gone as expected, but his confidence and determination remain unwavering.

Cleveland BrownsShedeur Sanders beware: Dillon Gabriel steals spotlight in Cleveland even in disadvantage with him
Cleveland BrownsShilo Sanders responds to Donald Trump after his for Shedeur: If you got the President pleading, you know something's wrong
NFLBrowns Rookie Minicamp: Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel - QB battle begins in Cleveland