Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was a no-show at the ESPYs on Wednesday, but he had a good reason for being absent.
Sanders spent Wednesday hosting a fundraiser for victims of a June 23 explosion and fire at Cleveland’s Rainbow Terrace Apartments. In response, Sanders held a “Garden Valley Fun Fest” event, which was essentially a family fun day for members of the community.
Sanders said he felt it was important for him to “go out there and be in the flesh” to boost victims of the tragedy.
#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders found out about the Rainbow Terrace Apartment explosion/fire when he was out of town. He knew he didn't just want to send help, he wanted to spend time.
"Sending money and stuff, that's easy. But you have to actually go out there and be in the flesh." pic.twitter.com/iX0p0UyEq9
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 17, 2025
As such, Sanders was not at the ESPYs. He also was not nominated for any awards, though he was the subject of a joke from host Shane Gillis.
Nobody safe from Shane Gillis
“Shedeur Sanders had his Jersey # retired at Colorado this year. People are saying it's because of nepotism because of his father, it’s not; it’s because he went 13-12 over his career & he almost won the Alamo Bowl” 😭
pic.twitter.com/fI5j1Sf96P
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 17, 2025
Sanders’ NFL career has not been without its low points already, but he seems to be endearing himself to Cleveland fans. One might have expected him to want the face time the ESPYs could have afforded him, but he had more important things to do.