Shedeur Sanders is embracing his unique journey as a quarterback in the NFL. Following an uncertain start buried on the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart, he rose to the occasion by starting the final seven games of his rookie season. Now, Sanders finds himself making his Pro Bowl debut, an opportunity he is both grateful for and excited about.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday night’s flag football event that marks the conclusion of the Pro Bowl Games, Sanders reflected on the lessons he learned throughout his rookie year. “I’ve already gained a lot here just talking to great players, seeing Joe Flacco again, just meeting people,” he said. “It’s a great environment. I’m excited to be here.”
Drafted in the fifth round last April, 50 picks after the Browns selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Sanders was thrust into action during a challenging season. With former starter Flacco traded ahead of Week 6 and without any practice reps with the starting unit, Sanders took the field in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite throwing seven touchdown passes and ten interceptions and completing 57% of his attempts, he managed to lead the Browns to three victories in his seven starts, culminating in a promising finish to the season.
The team recently underwent a coaching change, hiring Todd Monken as the new head coach after the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski. While Sanders’ position as the starter for the upcoming 2026 season isn’t guaranteed, he is likely to compete for the role.
Last week, while waiting for a delayed flight at the airport, Sanders received the call that would extend his rookie season into the Pro Bowl festivities. Named to the Pro Bowl following injuries to three AFC quarterbacks, his participation is a testament to his resilience and perseverance.
Flacco, who was also named to the Pro Bowl, shared a thoughtful moment with Sanders, noting their history and how far both have come in their careers. The veteran quarterback expressed pride in sharing this occasion with Sanders, highlighting the unique bond formed throughout the season.
As Sanders prepares for this significant milestone, he continues to appreciate the journey that brought him here. “It’s amazing to be here,” he said. “I’m truly thankful for it.” The future appears bright for Sanders as he looks to build on his rookie experiences and cement his place in the league.