Shedeur Sanders made headlines in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 1, 2025, after a strange post-practice media session. Reporters asked about the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback decision, but Sanders did not speak a single word. Instead, he mimed his answers and smiled, leaving many confused. The team had just named Dillon Gabriel as starter and Joe Flacco as backup, putting Sanders as the third quarterback. On October 2, 2025, ESPN’s First Take host Stephen A. Smith gave his reaction. He said people may judge Sanders as immature, but he thinks that view is unfair.
Stephen A. Smith defends Shedeur Sanders after silent press meet
Speaking on First Take on Thursday, Stephen A. Smith said he was not shocked by Sanders’ behavior but warned that the public may take it the wrong way. “I’m not gonna overreact to it. I’m just gonna say that he has to know that other people are going to look at him and consider that immature,” Smith said. “I don’t consider him immature. I think that he can play, I think that he’s a leader. I think that a lot is prejudged when it comes to him. I think it’s unfair.”Stephen A. Smith also pointed out that in today’s media world, every single word from Sanders is picked apart. He added: “Every word he says, we micromanage, we dissect, and folks judge him accordingly. I think that was his way of saying, ‘You know what? If you don’t hear anything that I have to say, O.K., that’s cool.’”For Stephen A. Smith, the key point is that Shedeur Sanders will only be judged fairly once he actually plays snaps for the Browns. Until then, interviews, silent or not, will continue to spark outside criticism.
Cam Newton on Shedeur Sanders’ role with Browns and business value
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton also shared his view on Shedeur Sanders in the latest episode of his 4th & 1 podcast. Newton said Sanders is a talented quarterback, but his presence brings what he called “circus-like attention.”He explained that the Browns may keep Sanders not only for his football potential but also because of his value to the team’s brand. “If we cut Shedeur, that would be bad for business. He moves the needle for Cleveland in a way no one else has,” Newton said.Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Quiet After Charlie Kirk Shooting At Utah As Randi Mahomes And Tavia Hunt Speaks OutNewton also warned Sanders to prove himself through play, not off-field stories. He criticized Sanders’ body language and pocket presence, saying these are habits that must improve. Still, he admitted that once Sanders finally starts a game, the spotlight will focus on his performance instead of interviews.For now, Shedeur Sanders remains the Browns’ third quarterback behind Gabriel and Flacco. Both Smith and Newton agree: his real judgment will come only when he steps onto the field and plays in a competitive NFL game.
