Pilar Sanders posted a cryptic message on Instagram ‘Friday’ after her son Shedeur Sanders was named the Cleveland Browns’ backup quarterback.
Shedeur Sanders' Controversial Path to Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders’ Controversial Path to Cleveland Browns (Screenshot Via Instagram/pilarsanders)
The message referred to the rookie’s controversial journey to the NFL and was in response to a fan who asked if she was celebrating his promotion with an elaborate seafood feast.
“For Shedeur’s yes – we know 2 has always been 1 – the matrix will try to make u believe anything hahahahah – never fall for tall tales,” Pilarwrote beneath a video showing her preparing fried shrimp and lobster.
While she didn’t specify what she meant, the post arrives amid ongoing speculation about her son’s draft fall and limited playing time.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Friday that Shedeur will back up starter Dillon Gabriel against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
The decision came days after Cleveland traded veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, opening a spot on the active roster for the fifth-round pick.
Shedeur Sanders’ Controversial Path to Cleveland Browns
The rookie’s journey has been marked by intense scrutiny since one of the most shocking draft slides in recent NFL history. Shedeur fell from projected first-round consideration to the 144th overall pick in April, sparking widespread debate about the reasons behind his freefall.
Before the draft, anonymous NFL evaluators made harsh assessments of Shedeur in interviews. One assistant coach called him “the worst formal interview I’ve ever been in my life,” while criticizing his body language and leadership.
A longtime executive added that Shedeur “wants to dictate what he’s going to do and what’s best for him.”
The dramatic slide prompted reactions from prominent figures, including NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, who suggested in an August interview that teams were instructed not to draft Shedeur.
President Trump also weighed in, posting on Truth Social that the quarterback has “PHENOMENAL GENES” and should have been picked immediately.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith shared a text from an associate comparing the situation to “Kaepernick-level collusion,” suggesting the draft outcome went beyond simple talent evaluation.
NFL Fan Reactions Show Mixed Perspectives
Pilar’s Instagram post drew supportive comments from fans who’ve followed Shedeur’s journey from Colorado to Cleveland. Several fans expressed hope that the Browns would recognize his capabilities.
“Hopefully Cleveland will keep realizing what the fans know, which is Shedeur is more than Capable as a QB1,” one commenter wrote, adding compliments for Pilar’s cooking.
Another fan emphasized patience: “Yes make sure He eats healthy at home (emphasis home). We praying and knowing His time will come.”
A third took it lightly, praising the beauty of Pilar, “Looking yummy like you do 🥰”
The comments reflect a segment of fans who believe Shedeur deserves more opportunity. However, opinions remain divided about whether his fifth-round selection accurately reflected his abilities or represented something more controversial.
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns
Shedeur has been inactive for Cleveland’s first five games, serving as the emergency third quarterback. His elevation to backup means he’s now one injury away from potentially making his NFL regular-season debut against Pittsburgh.
The Browns are starting fellow 2025 rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, with both young signal-callers competing to establish themselves in the league. Shedeur won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award at Colorado in 2024, finishing with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees recently discussed how the coaching staff evaluates Shedeur, though specific details about his development have mainly remained internal as the organization manages its quarterback situation.
It remains unclear whether Pilar’s cryptic references to “the matrix” and “tall tales” relate to draft conspiracy theories, her son’s current role, or something else entirely.
What’s certain is that the Sanders family continues to navigate one of the NFL’s most talked-about storylines this season.
Will Shedeur get his chance to prove people wrong? Browns fans and his mother will be watching closely.