Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is gearing up for his first appearance in the NFL Pro Bowl, scheduled for February 3, 2026, in San Francisco, California. In a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Sanders discussed the lessons he has learned during his rookie season, shedding light on his journey from college standout to professional athlete.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders entered the season as the Browns’ third-string quarterback. Despite the initial setback, he ultimately became a key player, starting the final seven games of the season. Reflecting on his development, Sanders remarked, “I think overall, it helped me get to myself quicker. I think I’m almost there. I think I’m almost back to myself fully, emotionally, mentally, and physically.” His enthusiasm for being part of the game and alongside talented teammates is evident as he prepares for the Pro Bowl.
During the interview, Sanders identified a significant area of improvement as his mental resilience. “Mentally. Just sticking through it through everything,” he explained, underscoring the challenges he faced throughout the season. His journey included a notable drop in draft projections, where many expected him to be selected in the first or second round. Instead, it was not until the late stages of the draft that he was chosen, highlighting the adversity he had to overcome.
His collegiate career with the Colorado Buffaloes was remarkable. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Sanders threw for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns, achieving a completion rate of 71.8 percent, which set the FBS all-time career record for highest completion percentage. Under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders, who became head coach in 2023, the Buffaloes improved dramatically from a previous record of 1-11 to winning nine games in 2024.
In contrast, the Buffaloes struggled in the 2025 season, finishing with a disappointing 3-9 record, indicating the impact of Sanders’ departure. On the other hand, the Browns, coming off a 3-14 season, saw a glimmer of hope with Sanders’ performance, as he led the team to a 3-4 record in his starts.
As the Browns look ahead to the upcoming season, they will be under new leadership. The franchise recently parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski and appointed Todd Monken, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Monken’s experience with star quarterback Lamar Jackson raises expectations regarding his ability to enhance Sanders’ skills and performance on the field.
Looking forward to his second season, Sanders aims to build on his experiences and contribute to the Browns’ resurgence. His journey reflects both personal growth and the challenges of transitioning from college football to the professional level, making his upcoming Pro Bowl appearance not just a personal milestone but also a testament to his resilience and determination.
