Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders earned praise from President Donald Trump after his first professional win. Sanders acknowledged the President’s long-standing support, showing an unusual dynamic of a sitting president backing a fifth-round draft pick early in his NFL career.
Shedeur Sanders thanks President Trump for being a longtime supporter after first NFL win (Image via Fox News)
Shedeur Sanders thanks President Trump for being a longtime supporter after first NFL win (Image via Fox News)
Sanders addressed the President’s continued advocacy during a Wednesday press conference, offering insight into what that support means to him as he prepares for his second career start.
Shedeur Sanders thanks President Trump for being a longtime supporter after first NFL win
President Trump posted on Truth Social following the Browns’ 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders,writing, “Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes. I TOLD YOU SO!” The declaration represented Trump’s second major public endorsement of Sanders within the span of seven months.
When reporters asked Sanders about the President’s latest comments, the quarterback expressed genuine appreciation for the sustained backing.
“He’s definitely been a supporter for a minute, so I’m just thankful for him even taking time out of his day to be able to speak out his support,” Sandersstated during his media session.
“He’s definitely been a supporter for a minute, so I’m just thankful for him even taking time out of his day to speak out his support.” #Browns QB Shedeur Sanders on support from President Trump pic.twitter.com/jranpsuz5W
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 26, 2025
The President’s interest in Sanders started months before his NFL debut. During the 2025 NFL Draft, as Sanders waited through multiple rounds without a selection, Trump posted on Truth Social, questioning the decision-making of team owners.
He praised Deion Sanders as a great college and NFL player and called him a smart coach. Trump said Shedeur had phenomenal genes and was set for greatness.
Trump continued his draft day message by demanding, “He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!” Despite the President’s urgent appeal, Sanders ultimately fell to the fifth round, where Cleveland selected him with the 144th overall pick.
Sanders seized his first NFL start, completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Raiders. He became the first Browns quarterback this century to win his debut, a milestone that validated supporters who believed in his potential despite his draft position.
Following the victory, Sanders told CBS Sports’ Tiffany Blackmon, “I’m just thankful. I think I showed a couple of great pieces. Some things I wish I could get back, but, man, a win is crazy. It’s amazing, you know, off of one week of practice! So imagine what a full offseason would look like. It could get dangerous”.
Trump’s support of Sanders marks a rare level of involvement for a late-round draft pick. He has appeared in several NFL-related stories during his second term, including attending a November game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions.