Shedeur Sanders Is Out to Prove the Doubters Wrong — and Johnny Manziel Is a Believer
The 2025 NFL Draft was nothing short of a whirlwind for former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Once projected as a top-10 pick, Sanders shockingly slid to the fifth round before being selected by the Cleveland Browns—a development that stunned fans, scouts, and analysts alike.
But while the fall was unexpected, it was Sanders’ response to the moment that earned him widespread respect—from fans, coaches, and even former players who know the pressure firsthand.
Manziel: “He Handled It As Good As You Possibly Can”
One of the most notable voices to weigh in was Johnny Manziel, former Browns quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner. On a recent episode of his Glory Daze podcast, Manziel discussed Sanders’ composure during the draft with guest Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Honestly, he can come out and win the job,” Manziel said. “I think he’ll do well. I really do.”
Manziel, who knows the highs and lows of being a high-profile quarterback in Cleveland, shared admiration for how Sanders managed the disappointment of falling in the draft.
“It’s not easy to sit there early in the draft process—him and Deion [Sanders] sitting there like, ‘We’re gonna be off the board in the first five picks’—and you sit there for five rounds? That’s a highly anxious spot to be in,” Manziel said.
“Even for me, waiting until the end of the first round was rough. I don’t think I would’ve been able to handle it the way that he did.”
Questions About His Personality, But Not His Passion
While Sanders’ draft-day drop sparked speculation—ranging from critiques of his play style to questions about his public persona—Manziel pointed to NFL culture and quarterback stereotypes.
“Maybe he’s a little bit too loud at times,” Manziel offered. “Some teams just want the quiet guy—the Geno Smith type—who comes in and flies under the radar.”
That contrast in leadership styles has long divided NFL front offices. But if Sanders’ reaction to adversity is any indication, the Browns may have landed a competitor with more than enough poise to lead an NFL locker room.
Building Respect in Cleveland
Since arriving in Berea, Sanders has impressed with his preparation, demeanor, and clear desire to earn respect through action.
Coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic, noting his commitment to the quarterback room and his attention to detail in minicamp.
Practice footage shows Sanders working closely with veterans, studying schemes, and embracing the quarterback competition with quiet confidence.
His natural leadership has started to shine through—not in press conferences, but in huddles and reps.
Manziel Sees Himself in Sanders—But Also Sees Growth
As someone who once carried the hopes of a Cleveland franchise on his back, Manziel’s endorsement carries weight. The former first-round pick knows the pressure of the position, the scrutiny of the spotlight, and the importance of mental toughness.
“He’s getting an opportunity now in Cleveland with the quarterback situation that, honestly, he could come out of and win the job,” Manziel said.
“I think the kid works really hard, and I think he loves the game of ball. And when it comes down to it, if you have a guy like that—that loves the game—I think he’ll be successful.”
Draft Fall or Future Franchise QB?
Sanders’ passion has been on full display since his first day in Cleveland. Whether it was showing up early to rookie minicamp, engaging with young fans at community events, or studying film deep into the evening, he’s putting in the work.
For a player many expected to go in the first round, dropping to the fifth could have shattered confidence. But for Shedeur Sanders, it seems to have lit a fire.
Manziel’s words underscore a growing sentiment in Cleveland: the Browns might have stolen one of the biggest values in the draft.
Conclusion:
It’s still early, and the NFL is a results-driven league. But Shedeur Sanders has already passed his first major test—not with throws, but with character. If that same resolve carries over onto the field, Cleveland may have found more than a quarterback. They may have found a future leader.
