The NFL world was left scratching its collective head on Wednesday when Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders went into mime mode during a locker room interview.
Sanders would not vocalize any answers, instead opting to mouth words to reporters.
Many believed Sanders was not talking after being asked about fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel getting the Week 5 start, but he was not speaking in response to Rex Ryan’s criticism earlier in the day on ESPN First Take.
MORE: Shedeur Sanders offers immature reaction after Cleveland Browns name new starting quarterback
“This kid talks and he runs his mouth,” Ryan said earlier in the day. “Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed like this. Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that.”
Lip-readers have since attempted to decipher what Sanders was mouthing, and the social media sleuths believe they have their answer.
Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The alleged phrase Sanders mouthed was, “I can’t speak right now. I’ma enjoy myself, I’m having fun.”
That seems rather harmless, and makes it clear that Sanders was simply trolling Rex Ryan.
MORE: NFL head coaches on the hot seat heading into Week 5
Of course, this is the internet, so there are plenty of people who will continue to criticize Sanders and question his “attitude and maturity.” But, at the end of the day, if you want to avoid situations like this, don’t surround the third-string quarterback and beg him for soundbites.
NFL Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders
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