“Few People Would Say, ‘I Was Absolutely Wrong’”: Shedeur Sanders Gets Backing From Michael Irvin On Haters Following Browns QB’s Eye-Catching Debut

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) takes the field in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders has already created a name for himself as an impressive rookie quarterback after just one game. After the Cleveland Browns took on the Carolina Panthers in the preseason opener, Sanders is all anyone can talk about after the quarterback managed to put on a scintillating show. Since then, those who have been backing Sanders since the draft process have been retelling tales of how haters can eat their words.

One of those who severely called out haters of Shedeur Sanders was none other than former NFL wide receiver, Michael Irvin. Irvin, on his YouTube channel, admonished those who have been hating Sanders and also reiterated as to why he chose to back the young quarterback, even when there was hardly anyone supporting him.

“I’m just going to wait, let’s just see what happens. Let’s wait to hear what everybody starts saying Monday. Now, very few people would stand up and speak up and say, ‘you know, I was absolutely wrong.’ Very few people are going to say it. But I tried to tell you everything you wanted to see. He (Sanders) outran the defensive line and got around the corner because people said he couldn’t run. Can’t run like his dad.” Michael Irvin said about Shedeur Sanders in his YouTube channel.

While people have been heaping praise on Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback himself does not feel as if he did anything superbly impressive. Sanders felt lukewarm about his performance and also remarked that there were several areas of improvement that he had circled for himself.

Shedeur Sanders Appreciated By LeBron James

Shedeur Sanders was also praised by NBA superstar LeBron James, who tweeted his appreciation for Deion Sanders’ youngest son through a viral tweet. James highlighted the fact that Sanders’ performance was indeed great, even though this is just a preseason game. Despite being termed the ‘preseason’, the season has practically started with these first few games being extra opportunities for rookies and debutantes to show off their skill sets.

As of now, Shedeur Sanders is listed as QB4 in the Cleveland Browns depth chart. It still remains to see if the Browns will actually change their minds and move him up the ladder after his performance against the Carolina Panthers in the first game of the preseason. However, rookie QB Dillon Gabriel will also get his opportunity to display his strengths soon enough, and it will be interesting to see how he stacks up against Sanders.