Since Shedeur Sanders was born in 2002, the Cleveland Browns have had 37 different starting quarterbacks and appeared in the and appeared in the NFL playoffs just three times.
Amid a preseason rookie quarterback battle with third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel, the fifth-rounder Sanders is confident he will be the man to change the franchise in Cleveland.
Sanders has a good track record. He helped turn around Jackson State and the University of Colorado while coached by his father, Deion Sanders, in college.
Even if he beats out Gabriel, the rookie still has to rise to the top of head coach Kevin Stefanski's quarterback room that includes Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
In an exclusive interview with Nathan Zegura for "Cleveland Browns Daily" after the conclusion of rookie minicamp, Sanders acknowledged the history of Cleveland football that has left fans, in his view, begging for hope.
He also expressed confidence that he can be the one to alter the course of the downtrodden franchise.
"I feel like the Browns fans, they just want something to hope for," Sanders told Zegura. "They’ve been wanting it so long. So finally, I’m here to change that. I’m here to actually give what they want.”
The limited practices during minicamp gave glimpses of what Sanders can offer on the field and room to grow. His deep balls caught the attention of everyone on social media, including his dad and retired NFL QB Derek Carr. However, one Browns insider who watched the drills said Gabriel outperformed Sanders both days of practice.
When asked what he wants fans to think when he steps on the field, Sanders' clear message for the Browns faithful was laced with his trademark confidence.
“I’m here to work and win," Sanders said. "Everything off the field, that’s going to handle itself. On the field, of course, that’s what I want my personality and that’s what I want to be known for. The one that came here and changed the franchise.”