UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel has expressed strong support for Shedeur Sanders, who is currently navigating his first training camp with the Cleveland Browns. Manziel, the 2014 first-round draft pick of the Browns, believes Sanders is ready for the NFL spotlight, despite his recent injury setback.
During an interview with USA Today on Thursday, Manziel praised Sanders’ preparation and mindset, stating, “He is well prepared for the moment and everything that comes with being in the NFL and playing the quarterback position.” This endorsement comes as Sanders faces critical scrutiny after a rocky pre-draft process that led to him being selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Sanders has shown potential, notably during a strong preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, where he threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 14 of 23 passes. However, his journey took a concerning turn this week when he suffered an oblique strain during a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As of now, Sanders is considered day-to-day, and it appears unlikely he will participate in this weekend’s matchup against the Eagles. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the team’s cautious approach regarding Sanders’ recovery, stating, “We want to be smart about his recovery. Going to put him down for a little bit here. We’ll treat it day-to-day and see how it responds.”
Manziel’s connection to Sanders runs deep, having known the Sanders family for years. He described Shedeur as a “unique” player who follows his own path in a league where conformity often reigns. “He’s going to be different than a lot of guys you’re going to see around the league,” Manziel noted. “I think he’s done the right thing every step of the way.”
As the Browns prepare for their upcoming game, the spotlight will remain on Shedeur Sanders. Fans and analysts alike are keenly observing how he will bounce back from this injury and whether he can solidify his place in the NFL. With the season ahead, Sanders’ performance—and recovery—will be crucial not just for his career but also for the Browns’ aspirations this year.
The urgency is palpable as the NFL preseason continues and the stakes heighten for Sanders. All eyes will be on the young quarterback to see how he navigates this critical phase of his career.
