Leaving the familiar comfort of playing under your Hall of Fame father isn’t easy. But for Shedeur Sanders, making the jump from Colorado to Cleveland has never been about comfort — it’s been about growth, challenge, and legacy. As the Browns’ rookie quarterback settles into his new environment, he’s already showing fans and teammates exactly what kind of leader he intends to be.
Drafted to a team searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, Sanders isn’t shying away from expectations. He’s embracing the opportunity to help reshape a franchise hungry for consistent success. And based on early impressions, he’s doing it with humility, work ethic, and a desire to build genuine relationships inside and outside the locker room.
No Hype, Just Hustle: Shedeur Sanders Focused on Winning Over Cleveland Browns Locker Room
From the start, Sanders made it clear on “Cleveland Browns Daily” that he focuses on being the best teammate. “I’ll say, of course, establish myself first in the locker room, first around the building,” he explained. “Have everybody understand me … and just be a good teammate, honestly.”
When asked what he wanted fans to understand about him, his answer was direct: “I work hard. And I love the game of football. That’s all you really need to know. I ain’t disrespectful. I don’t have off-the-field problems. So those main three things … that equals success.”
The transition from playing for Deion Sanders to stepping into the Browns’ facility hasn’t shaken his confidence. In fact, Shedeur views it as a continuation of what he’s already been building: “I’ve been built for this moment year by year. I understand I got to go in here, I got to learn. I got to establish myself. I got to be a great teammate.”
Shedeur Sanders on his father’s parting words and having a new Head Coach 👀
“I’ve been built for this moment”
🎥 : @Browns pic.twitter.com/rVR79eL9YU
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) May 12, 2025
That mentality carried over even before minicamp. Rather than wait to officially report, Sanders headed to Cleveland early, spending time working out and connecting with the community. “I was ready to get to work in my new city,” he said. “Going to the schools … that was just something I genuinely do, and what I find fun. It’s where I find my peace.”
Sanders also acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing in a football-crazed city like Cleveland. “I feel like the Browns fans, they just want something to hope for … I’m here to change that,” he said. “I’m here to actually give what they want.”
He’s quick to credit those who helped shape him. Former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake mentored him in his early years, especially when it came to developing his signature deep ball. And with Kevin Stefanski and Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur having ties (Shurmur was the Minnesota Vikings’ OC when Stefanski was coaching tight ends and quarterbacks), Shedeur is already finding familiarity in the offense. “Parts of [the Browns’ playbook], we learned at Colorado … so the game slowed down for me a little bit.”
But what does he want Browns fans to think when they see No. 12 under center?
“I’m here to work and win,” Sanders said simply. “That’s who I want to be known for — the one that came here and changed the franchise.”