Cleveland Browns fans gave Shedeur Sanders a warm welcome as he replaced Dillon Gabriel on Sunday, but the NFL rookie was sacked and threw his first interception within minutes
18:32 ET, 16 Nov 2025Updated 18:51 ET, 16 Nov 2025
Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut on Sunday after Dillon Gabriel was ruled out
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Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut on Sunday after Dillon Gabriel was ruled out(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Shedeur Sanders threw an early interception as he made his NFL debut during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, after Cleveland Browns fans went wild as he replaced Dillon Gabriel.
Shedeurs replaced Gabriel in the third quarter as Cleveland led Baltimore 16-10, as his fellow quarterback was evaluated for a concussion. When Sanders entered the field, the crowd inside Huntington Bank Field erupted, but the excitement didn't last.
The Browns began the season with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, before trading him to the Cincinnati Bengals and placing their faith in Gabriel. Sanders, therefore, moved up the depth chart and finally earned his opportunity.
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Before Sanders entered the game, fans were seen holding signs with '12' written on them, his jersey number. The crowd erupted in loud cheers when he stepped onto the field, and the excitement was also palpable online.
"They had to tell the home Cleveland crowd to shush when Shedeur came in," one fan claimed. "I’ve never seen such an ovation for a third-string QB," another added.
"Moment we have been waiting for all year," a third fan said, echoing the opinion of several Browns supporters this season. "I've seen 5 snaps from Sanders and it’s extremely obvious he’s better than Gabriel," a fourth suggested.
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As Sanders ran onto the field, he did his trademark wrist gesture, but it quickly backfired. Sanders completed his first two passes, but was then sacked for the first time in his NFL career by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.
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Hamilton celebrated by mimicking the Browns' quarterback, and Baltimore had another reason to celebrate on the next drive. Sanders was intercepted by Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins on just his fifth pass attempt.
Gabriel was 7-for-10 with 68 passing yards when exiting the game, and he was later ruled out with a concussion. Browns fans have shown their frustration toward Gabriel in recent weeks, but head coach Kevin Stefanski had no plans to elevate Sanders.
More to follow...