Deion Sanders Reacts to Shedeur Sanders’ Relationship with Joe Flacco

Shedeur Sanders arrived at Cleveland Browns training camp determined to compete and instead watched as veteran quarterback Joe Flacco formally secured the starting job for Week 1.

Rather than showing frustration, the 23-year-old rookie has taken to embracing mentorship from the 40-year-old Super Bowl XLVII MVP, earning attention after sharing a candid moment from practice.

“I see Joe do something, and I'm like, ‘Alright, bro. I'm gonna try that.’ And then I do it and it's cool cause I'm like, 'Hey, bruh I did this cause I seen you do it.' And then he'll be smiling like a proud dad.”

Deion Sanders, his father and coach at Colorado, offered a one-word reaction on Threads that instantly garnered attention: “Son!”

Sanders likely saw the humor in his son's statement through the lens of being replaced as a father figure and caught himself feeling like an empty nester.

Joe Flacco Entrenched As Browns Starter

Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Flacco as Cleveland’s starting quarterback on Monday, ending any speculation.

With tight end David Njoku alongside wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore, as expected to be featured targets, the Browns are building around an experienced group of pass-catchers.

Cleveland will also be breaking in rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, although he has not yet signed his rookie contract, along with Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson.

Since Flacco has been named the starter, that scenario pushes Sanders — a fifth-round selection at No. 144 — onto a developmental track and likely in competition for a roster spot with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

Shedeur Sanders Must Outperform Dillon Gabriel To Secure A Roster Spot

The remaining quarterback battle now centers on whether Sanders can outshine Gabriel for a place on the 53-man roster.

Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave believes there are stresses and expectations on every signal-caller competing for a place on the team.

“There are external pressures for everybody, especially for Shedeur,” Musgrave said. “But there are for Dillon and Kenny, as well as Joe. The focus has got to be on the work. The focus has got to be on the techniques, the five-step drop, the seven-step drop. Being accurate with our throws. Really, if we can focus on our trade, the external factors take a back seat, which is where they should remain."

Stefanski has not ruled out carrying four quarterbacks. With regular-season practice reps few and far between, the remaining quarterbacks on the roster aren't guaranteed much to help with their development.

Related: Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Dan Orlovsky Over Dillon Gabriel Blunder

Related: Deion Sanders Shares Troubling Update as Colorado Prepares for Georgia Tech Clash

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.