A mother’s pride was on full display on Sunday as Pilar Sanders took to social media followingShedeur Sanders’ breakthrough performance.
Shedeur Sanders Throws First Career TD as Mom Fires Shot at Browns
Shedeur Sanders Throws First Career TD as Mom Fires Shot at Browns (Image Via Instagram/@pilarsanders)
The Cleveland Browns rookie put on an absolute show in his first NFL start, earning his first career touchdown in a statement win. Mama Sanders had plenty to say about the moment and what led up to it.
Shedeur Sanders Throws First Career TD as Mom Fires Shot at Browns
Shedeur tossed his first NFL touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Browns’ 24-10 win. The victory capped off a solid debut for Coach Prime’s son as a starting quarterback.
SHEDEUR SANDERS’ FIRST CAREER PASS TD 😤
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/XFoXmnMf3o
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 23, 2025
The rookie went 11-of-20 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After the game, Shedeur said his preparation paid off and noted how important it was to get a full week of practice with the first-team offense.
Meanwhile, Pilar’s reaction went viral. She posted a celebratory message on Instagram that also doubled as a sharp critique of the Browns organization.
“Yes SON! Everyone who supports you, WE CAN IMAGINE you getting more than ONE WEEK of practice to prep for an NFL GAME! Wow that’s serious! Moving forward,….WE LOVE TO WIN! Go #shedeursanders #12 #legendary #winners 🎉🎉🎉🎉.”
The message was clear. Pilar believes the Browns shortchanged her son by keeping him buried on the depth chart without first-team reps. She wasn’t hiding her frustration with how Cleveland handled his development.
Shedeur got his shot because starter Dillon Gabriel remained in concussion protocol. Getting the chance after so much controversy, the fifth-round pick made the most of his opportunity and snapped a historic 30-year drought for Browns.
Pilar Sanders Calls Out Browns’ Preparation Plan
Pilar’s postgame message was a direct challenge to Cleveland’s coaching staff and front office.
Shedeurhad been sitting behind Gabriel all season without meaningful practice reps with the starting offense. When Gabriel went down against Baltimore, Sanders got thrown into action cold.
But in that game, the rookie finished with zero touchdowns. But give him a full week of starter reps? He delivered more than anyone expected.
The moment was made special with his family in attendance, including father Deion and mother Pilar.
Pilar has been vocal about her son’s treatment all season. Last week after the Baltimore disaster, she posted that Sanders “never had any first-round reps, never heard of” that kind of situation. She called the approach wild and questioned the organization’s decision-making.
She continues the same theme in this latest note. She’s not backing down from criticizing how Cleveland has handled her son’s development.
The Browns sit at 3-8 with their season effectively over. That makes Pilar’s message even more pointed. What exactly does Cleveland have to lose by giving Sanders more opportunities?
For now, the rookie can only wait and see if Sunday’s performance opened the door for his future. He has already been official from Week 13, but his mother will want to see him start every game this season.