The quarterback competition in Cleveland has reached a fever pitch, and training camp has become the ultimate proving ground. Every snap matters when four names are battling for position, especially for rookie Shedeur Sanders, who’s fighting to establish himself in the NFL. Yet as he grinds through practices with the Browns, fans can’t help but notice one glaring absence: his father, Deion Sanders, is nowhere to be found on the sidelines.
Why Did Deion Sanders Visit Shilo But Skip Shedeur’s Camp?
Just days earlier, Deion, the Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach, appeared at Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp, cheering on his older son, Shilo Sanders, who’s battling for a roster spot as an undrafted safety. The contrast raised eyebrows across the football world. If Prime Time made the trip for Shilo, why wouldn’t he be there for Shedeur?
The answer surprised everyone. The absence wasn’t Deion’s call; it was Shedeur’s.
“Shedeur told me not to come,” Deion revealed, breaking into a smile. “He didn’t want me to. He was like, ‘Dad, I’m only getting three or four reps out here. I don’t want you seeing that. I’m not where I want to be yet. Let me get there first.’”
Shedeur Sanders told Coach Prime not to visit him at Training Camp:
“I’m not where I want to be, let me get where I need to be.”💯💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/GKOsA0ndLP
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) July 28, 2025
That exchange reveals everything about the bond between father and son, but more importantly, it exposes Sanders’ mental approach. He’s spent his entire career under the brightest spotlights, coached by Deion through high school, Jackson State and Colorado. Now, with that chapter closed, Sanders is discovering what it means to pursue his NFL dream entirely on his own merit.
There’s no frustration in his approach, just pure determination. A quiet fire to prove himself the right way burns within him.
“It’s so funny because this is his first time ever, and he’s dealing with it like a pro,” Deion explained. “He ain’t mad… He’s like ‘I got work to do.’”
How Is Shedeur Sanders Handling Limited Preseason Opportunities?
While the Browns navigate their crowded quarterback situation, Sanders is maximizing every limited opportunity that comes his way. He understands the stakes perfectly, but he’s not forcing anything. Instead, he’s concentrating on development and wants his father to witness his progress when the stage is set, not during routine practice sessions.
“When preseason comes, watch me work,” Sanders told him.
It’s clear that Sanders seeks genuine transformation rather than superficial impression. Through this approach, he’s proving he represents far more than just a famous surname or social media headlines. This young quarterback displays composure, intentionality, and clear vision for his future.
This story isn’t about Deion stepping away from the spotlight. It’s about Sanders stepping fully into his own.