On March 20, 2025, two of the NFL’s most promising rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, will face off as the Cleveland Browns host the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. ET. This matchup marks a significant moment in both players’ careers, as they aim to overcome challenging starts to their rookie seasons.
The two quarterbacks have developed a playful rivalry over the years, often engaging in friendly banter during training sessions. Their camaraderie can be traced back to their training with Darrell Colbert Jr., a personal quarterback coach who founded Select QB Athletics in 2019. Colbert first connected with Sanders when the young quarterback was a junior in high school, and he later began training Ward, whose father is Colbert’s cousin. The decision was made to pair Sanders and Ward during their collegiate careers to foster competition and mutual growth.
Both quarterbacks have experienced vastly different journeys leading up to this NFL season. Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, has faced significant struggles this season, including a coaching change midway through the year. Currently, the Titans hold a disappointing record of 1-11, and Ward has been sacked 48 times, the highest in the league. His statistics reflect the difficulties he has encountered, completing 246 of 412 passes (59.7%) for 2,351 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions.
In contrast, Sanders, selected 144th overall in the fifth round, has made notable strides. After beginning his career at Jackson State under his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he transferred to Colorado and later joined the Browns. He became the first Cleveland quarterback to win his first start since 1995, throwing for 209 yards and one touchdown in a 24-10 win against the Raiders. Despite his recent success, Sanders has also faced challenges, completing 50.8% of his passes for 405 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions this season.
The upcoming game carries significant implications for both teams. A Titans loss would increase their chances of securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft from 47.3% to 66%, while a Browns loss would elevate their chances from 7.5% to 14%. Cleveland has additional draft capital from a trade with the Jaguars, potentially positioning them to target another quarterback in the upcoming draft.
Colbert, who has trained both quarterbacks throughout their careers, will witness their first NFL meeting in person. He acknowledges the hard work both have put in, stating, “These are things that they talked about. Cam has been talking about playing in the NFL since he was at Incarnate Word. There was no, ‘Oh, everybody says that.’ He meant it. Same thing with Shedeur.”
As the two quarterbacks prepare to take the field, they reflect on their journeys and the competitive spirit that has driven their development. Each player is focused on improving their game and proving themselves in one of the most challenging positions in professional sports. Ward expressed his perspective on perseverance: “It’s for sure testing it. But someone in the world has it a lot worse than I have. So that’s just how I put it in perspective.”
This Sunday’s matchup promises to be a defining moment for both quarterbacks as they navigate the pressures of their rookie seasons while aiming to leave a lasting impact on their teams and the league.
