Deion Sanders responds to son Shedeur Sanders' odd Browns interview

# Deion Sanders Reacts After Son Shedeur’s Viral Interview Amid Browns QB Shakeup In a developing story out of Cleveland, Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders has taken to social media following a peculiar and widely circulated interview with his son, Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The younger Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, sparked considerable online discussion with his unconventional responses to media questions. The viral moment occurred in the wake of the Browns' significant decision to bench 18-year veteran Joe Flacco in favor of fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel for the team's upcoming Week 5 game in London against the Minnesota Vikings. After a disappointing 1-3 start to the season under Flacco, the organization announced the change, thrusting the quarterback situation into the spotlight. During a press availability, when questioned about the quarterback change, Shedeur Sanders reportedly opted for non-verbal replies, smiling and mouthing responses rather than answering directly. This unusual interaction quickly gained traction online, prompting his famously outspoken father, Deion, to issue a response. The elder Sanders, who has a well-documented history of using social media to comment on his sons' careers, addressed the situation, adding another layer to the unfolding drama in Cleveland. The move to start Gabriel, a third-round pick, over the more experienced Flacco was made to inject a "spark" into an offense that has struggled, but it also raised questions about where Shedeur, the team's designated third-string quarterback, fits into the team's plans. The decision to elevate Gabriel came after Flacco threw six interceptions against just two touchdowns through the first four games, leaving the Browns with one of the worst turnover margins in the league. Gabriel, who had a prolific and record-setting college career at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, will now get his first NFL start. While Shedeur Sanders remains QB3, his father's social media engagement ensures that the spotlight will not be far from him as the season progresses. The incident places further scrutiny on the Browns' quarterback room, a dynamic now defined by a struggling veteran, a newly promoted rookie starter, and a high-profile third-stringer whose every move—on and off the field—is closely watched. ***

• Background on the Quarterback Change: The Cleveland Browns named rookie Dillon Gabriel the starting quarterback for Week 5 after a 1-3 start to the 2025 season. The decision was made to bench veteran Joe Flacco, who struggled with a 58.1% completion rate and threw six interceptions to only two touchdowns in the first four games. The team hopes Gabriel can provide a spark and reduce turnovers, as the offense has yet to score more than 17 points in a game this season.
• Shedeur Sanders' Draft and Rookie Status: Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a drop from his father's prediction of him being a top-five pick. After a strong preseason, he was named the team's third-string quarterback behind Flacco and Gabriel. Despite the change at starter, Sanders' position on the depth chart as the emergency QB3 remains unchanged for now.
• Deion Sanders' Use of Social Media: Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders is known for his vocal and frequent use of social media, especially concerning his children's careers. He has publicly defended Shedeur from critics and even admitted to openly ranking his kids based on their performance and actions, both on and off the field. His response to Shedeur's viral interview is consistent with his pattern of engaging directly with narratives surrounding his family.
• Profile of Dillon Gabriel: The new starting quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, was a third-round pick in the 2025 draft. He entered the NFL with a historic amount of college experience, starting 63 games across six seasons for UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Known for his efficiency and low turnover rate in college, Gabriel finished his collegiate career with an impressive 155 touchdowns to 32 interceptions.
• Profile of Joe Flacco: An 18-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl MVP, Joe Flacco returned to the Browns in 2025 after a remarkable 2023 season where he led the team to a playoff berth and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. However, his 2025 campaign began poorly, leading to his benching. At 40 years old, Flacco will now serve as the backup to Gabriel.
• Shedeur Sanders' College Career: Before the NFL, Shedeur had a decorated college career playing for his father at both Jackson State and Colorado. At Jackson State, he won the Jerry Rice Award for the top FCS freshman. After transferring to Colorado, he continued to put up impressive numbers, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024.
• Implications for the Browns: The switch to Gabriel is a clear signal that the Browns are looking toward the future while trying to salvage the current season. While Gabriel gets the first opportunity, some analysts believe that if he falters, the calls for Shedeur Sanders to play could grow louder as the season progresses. The move puts pressure on the coaching staff to develop their young quarterbacks and find a long-term solution for the franchise.