Stefanski Comments on Shedeur Sanders

Stefanski Comments on Shedeur Sanders originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Cleveland Browns opened their preseason with a convincing 30-10 road win over the Carolina Panthers on Friday. It was a strong start for Cleveland, which is aiming to return to the postseason after missing out in 2024.

The biggest storyline from the win was the debut of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado Buffaloes star, who played for his father Deion Sanders in college, tossed two touchdown passes in his first NFL appearance.

After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke to the media, spending much of his time discussing Sanders’ performance. However, some of his comments sparked backlash among Cleveland fans.

When asked if Sanders would see more first-team reps, Stefanski replied: “We need to get through the next couple days from an injury standpoint and see where everybody is. I’m really focused on all our quarterbacks’ development and every single one of their reps.”

Kevin Stefanski was asked if Shedeur Sanders could receive first-team reps in practice next week, especially in light of Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel’s injuries.

“We need to get through the next couple days from an injury standpoint and see where everybody is. I’m really…

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 9, 2025

The answer didn’t sit well with many Browns fans, who voiced their frustration online.

This fan quickly quipped: "Fire him."

Another came back with the following: "Or, put another way - only if Pickett and Gabriel are still out…."

"Yeah, buddy, going to be looking for a new job. DG is not an NFL QB," from this fan.

This commenter was not as nice about it: "Dumb [expletive]. You have a franchise QB. An elderly man. A midget and a washed former Steeler. The choice could not be more clear."

"Word Salad. Kev, perhaps spend less time trying to be cagey and speak your mind. You haven't won [expletive]," said another fan.

This fan did not hold back: "lol he does not like Shedeur. You can tell he wasn’t his pick. He’s never complimentary of him like he is with the other rookies. & He always “all lives matter” answers when asked about Shedeur. Just keep working #12."

Shedeur Sanders' First NFL Action

Sanders started the game with Tyler Huntley coming in as the backup. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, both to Kaden Davis.

On the ground, Sanders rushed four times for 19 yards, including a key 10-yard scramble that extended a Cleveland drive.

Sanders Received Tons of Support

Sanders’ debut drew praise across social media. LeBron James posted twice on X to show his support for the rookie quarterback.

That young 🤴🏾 looking good out there! @ShedeurSanders Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high 🙌🏾🫡

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 9, 2025

He followed it up here.

And I don’t wanna hear that “It’s only preseason” bs. Cause if he was out there not going in y’all would be on his ass about it! So give credit and grace lames. 🤷🏾‍♂️

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 9, 2025

Jamie Foxx also had some words for Sanders and his performance view Instagram.

"He the real deal!"

Jamie Foxx sounded off on Shedeur's first start in the preseason 🗣️

(via @iamjamiefoxx) pic.twitter.com/EQ1KcBjdk5

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 9, 2025

When Will Shedeur Sanders Play Next?

The Browns will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 16, then wrap up preseason play at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 23. Cleveland opens the regular season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

Related: Video of Shedeur Sanders Confronting His Critic Is Going Viral

Related: ESPN Makes Shedeur Sanders Statement After NFL Preseason Debut

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.