A former NFL player called for fans to consider a boycott after the Cleveland Browns declined to give rookie Shedeur Sanders a shot at starting, a demand that has deepened public scrutiny of the organization. The controversy intensified as questions mounted over coach Kevin Stefanski’s handling of the quarterback situation and recent special teams failures.
Sanders, the Browns’ fifth‑round pick, has yet to play in the regular season while Dillon Gabriel keeps the starting job despite uneven results. Criticism grew louder after Stefanski avoided using Sanders’ name during press conferences and repeatedly declined to speculate about a timeline for the rookie’s debut, fueling speculation about internal friction. Social media amplified the debate, with supporters interpreting roster moves as signs the team may be preparing for Sanders’ involvement.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The backlash arrived at an already fraught moment for Cleveland, which suffered a costly loss to the New York Jets that featured two special teams touchdowns allowed. The miscues put coordinator Bubba Ventrone under the microscope and created urgency for improvement before a home date with the Baltimore Ravens. Analysts noted that coaching missteps, special teams breakdowns and quarterback uncertainty have combined to erode fan confidence.
Local beat writers and national outlets dissected Stefanski’s public posture, pointing to his pledge to remain committed to Gabriel while acknowledging room for growth across the roster. Some commentators urged patience with developmental quarterbacks, while others argued that the club’s 2‑7 record warranted an immediate evaluation of all options. Fans, meanwhile, pushed for clarity and action, with some asserting that only sustained pressure would prompt change.
Former NFL Star Aqib Talib Urges Fans to Boycott Cleveland Browns For Not Playing Shedeur Sanders
NFL, Aqib Talib
Jun 11, 2019; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Aqib Talib (21) reacts during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Talib has called on fans to pressure Cleveland until they play Sanders. This can be seen in a post shared by The Arena: Gridiron on X.
Aqib thinks Browns fans should boycott the team until they play Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/kqO6mYoyBN
— The Arena: Gridiron (@ArenaGridiron) November 13, 2025
The team moved to reinforce depth on offense and special teams in short order, and social reaction suggested that roster activity could signal a gradual shift. Newsweek reported fan optimism that recent signings might clear a path for Sanders, while other outlets emphasized the coach’s insistence on process and accountability.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
For now, the situation remains unsettled and will likely hinge on results over the next several games. If performances do not improve, calls for a more dramatic public response could grow louder, forcing Browns leadership to answer directly to a restless fan base.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is all smiles during NFL training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
For More Of My Content
For More Of My Content Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22. You may also reach out to me personally at kitguinhawa@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!