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Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made franchise history with his Week 12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and head coach Kevin Stefanski will keep him in place as the team’s starter heading into this week.
There is, however, a group of Sanders fans who have been saying all season that Stefanski was “sabotaging” the Colorado product. Sanders says the opposite.
The Browns’ fifth-round pick was talking to reporters when one reporter said, “All your fans say Kevin Stefanski was sabotaging you.”
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Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns talks with Shedeur Sanders #12 before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
“So, you just want to start trouble, huh?” Sanders responded during his press conference.
Although Dillon Gabriel, the rookie quarterback taken two rounds ahead of Sanders in April, was cleared to play this week after being in concussion protocol, Stefanski named Sanders the Browns’ starter.
Then, after a follow-up question about what Sanders’ relationship with his head coach is like, he emphasized how little the outside perspective matters about his situation in Cleveland.
SHEDEUR SANDERS ‘GRATEFUL’ FOR TRUMP’S SUPPORT AMID WILD START TO HIS NFL CAREER
“What people do outside the building is not really under my control,” he responded. “It’s not in my power. So I don’t do it, you act like I go out and tell them to do whatever. You know, that’s nothing I control and nothing I can do.”
“Overall, I’m happy to be here. Coach Stefanski has been training since I got here and he’s been doing a great job with everything that’s going on.”
Sanders added that his relationship with Stefanski is “definitely like a coach,” which involves telling him “what I need to do, on and off the field.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns instructs Shedeur Sanders #12 during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
“We’ve definitely grown, our relationship and everything has grown. So I’m grateful to be here.”
Sanders became the first Browns rookie quarterback since 1999 to earn his first career start after the 24-10 victory over the Raiders. He got his first career touchdown pass thanks to the speed of rookie running back Dylan Sampson running through the Las Vegas defense for a 66-yard score.
Sanders also showed great accuracy, finding rookie receiver Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard strike that would have been his first touchdown if not for a minimal tackle.
Sanders’ performance was a breath of fresh air for Cleveland fans, who saw the team’s third victory this season. Even President Donald Trump praised the young communicator.
“Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, start of career, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great genes. I TOLD YOU SO!”
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Sanders acknowledged Trump’s support.
“I’m just grateful for him even taking time out of his day to be able to talk and support,” he said via 92.3 The Fan.
Sanders will face a tough San Francisco 49ers defense in his first career home start in Cleveland.
