The wait is over. After months of chatter, criticism, and constant questions about where he fits in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback picture, Shedeur Sanders finally gets his moment. Tonight, under the lights in Carolina, the rookie will start in the Browns’ preseason opener against the Panthers, and he’s bringing all the energy with him.
Shedeur Sanders Gets Start in Preseason vs. Panthers
It hasn’t been a smooth road to this point. Sanders entered training camp as the underdog in a crowded QB room, competing with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, plus fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
He’s shown flashes of what he can do, but a mix of limited reps, minor injuries, and outside noise kept him waiting for his real chance. With Pickett and Gabriel both sidelined, the door has swung open.
And Sanders made sure his arrival turned heads.
Before the game, a video hit social media showing Sanders walking through the tunnel with a portable speaker, music blasting, and a confident stride; the kind of swagger that says, “I belong here.”
Shedeur Sanders arrives for his NFL debut in the Browns’ preseason opener pic.twitter.com/jJJEMtmIc6
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 8, 2025
Social media lit up almost instantly:
“I really want this kid to succeed here, man,” one fan posted, summing up the feeling of many who have followed Sanders’ journey.
“Yeah, we not writing back,” another wrote, channeling Geno Smith’s famous line from his breakout season.
“I’m too hyped dawg,” one excited supporter said, clearly ready for Sanders’ first NFL snaps.
“It’s bout to be a movie tonight, I see,” commented a fan.
“My QB got aura man, this is insane,” highlighted a social media user on Sanders’ presence.
“His own entrance music?!!!?!? This is everything I dreamed of,” said another fan.
All Eyes on Sanders’ NFL Preseason Debut with Cleveland
For Sanders, it’s more than just a viral moment. This start is a chance to finally put his skills on display in real game action, to show the Browns and the league that he’s more than a preseason body. Every throw tonight will be part of his case to earn a role moving forward.
Sure, it’s only preseason. But moments like this: the walk, the music, the energy, help build a connection between a player and a city.
Cleveland has seen plenty of quarterbacks come and go, but for now, they’ve got one who’s walking into his first start like he’s ready to own it.
Tonight, Sanders takes the field for the first time in an NFL game. And if you ask Browns fans, the aura and belief are already there.