CLEVELAND, Ohio — Why was social media tuned into a Friday night NFL preseason game? To see how Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders would perform in his NFL debut.
After hamstring injuries sustained by Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, it was announced Sanders was set to start Friday’s game versus Carolina.
In the end, he set social media on fire after completing 60.8% of his passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers in the 30-10 win over the Panthers.
It took a second for Sanders to adjust to the game speed, as Cleveland ended the opening quarter trailing 7-0. But after that came and went, Sanders’ comfort level in the pocket rose, and it translated in his play.
During the second quarter, Sanders completed all but two of his eight passes for 70 yards, and earned both his touchdown throws in the quarter as well.
He produced numerous highlights, from his 30-yard dart to Luke Floriea, to reading the blitz and delivering a precise touchdown pass to Kaden Davis.
After leading the charge to 21 unanswered points, Cleveland took Sanders out toward the end of the third quarter.
And when putting on a show the way he did, it was only right for big names among the social media world to add their own commentary to the night.
Sanders’ father and NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, took to X after Sanders earned his first touchdown: “Yes Lawd! Yes! @ShedeurSanders"
Los Angeles Laker and Browns fan LeBron James also commended Sanders for his play: “That young (king emoji) looking good out there! @ShedeurSanders Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high“.
Nike Football had a Sanders picture ready, with the phrase “Only a matter of Time.” But they also captioned the tweet stating: “When you get your opportunity, create your next one.”
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley wouldn’t be left out during Sanders big night: “Super happy for @ShedeurSanders! You can try to break a young fella’s spirit but you can’t touch his talent! Do the damn thing Shedeur!!!"
The Browns’ next preseason game will be on the road in Philadelphia next Saturday.
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