Published: 20:58 BST, 10 August 2025 | Updated: 20:59 BST, 10 August 2025
NFL fans have ripped into Shedeur Sanders' 'embarrassing' mom after her social media post from the sidelines went viral.
All eyes were on the [Cleveland Browns](/sport/cleveland-browns/index.html)' fourth-choice quarterback as he made his preseason debut against the [Carolina Panthers](/sport/carolina-panthers/index.html) on Friday night.
Despite pre-game concerns, Sanders made a brilliant first impression in his team's 30-10 win, completing 14 of his 23 pass attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Fans, celebrities and league executives alike watched on in shock as Sanders dominated the game - despite his slide down the NFL Draft at the end of April.
Sanders' mom, Pilar, watched on from the sidelines on the day and, after the game, shared a video of herself celebrating the occasion. The caption read: 'Aaaaaand you know itttt!!! Momma’s always present!'
Some fans, however, were not impressed by Pilar's actions and swiftly made their feelings known by responding in the comments to her Instagram post.
Shedeur Sanders made an impressive start to life as a Cleveland Brown on Friday evening
Pilar Sanders shared a video of herself celebrating on the sidelines after the preseason game
One fan wrote: 'I would be embarrassed if my 60-year-old mom conducted herself like that'. For clarity, Pilar Sanders is 50-years-old.
'She acted like a kid,' another said. Meanwhile one user brutally commented: 'She is so annoying'.
One fan, however, did leave a lengthy comment. They said: 'But as a mother pulling up to my son's games, I would conduct myself differently. This is young woman behavior. You are so fine.
'You dont have to be posting pic licking your teeth and wiggling. Im not hating at all, but her sons are so respectful and respected by many in the world, that she should just carry herself showing more class'.
Fans were left stunned by Sanders balling out on his debut in the NFL, with one even calling it 'history-making', and another claiming he has 'proven his doubters wrong'.
Sanders, a highly-rated draft prospect who endured a dramatic fall into the fifth round in April, entered the game fourth on the Browns depth chart, but was pressed into starting duty because of injuries.
His status could change after he led three touchdown drives in nearly three full quarters of action, showing tremendous poise and awareness in the pocket.
Fans were quick to call out Pilar's 'embarrassing' acts from the Browns' preseason game
Sanders made a brilliant first impression in his team's 30-10 win over the Panthers
Sanders said he's not worried about how the depth chart shakes out.
'When I get out there it's just doing what I gotta do,' Sanders said. 'Everything else is not in my hands, so I don't worry about it. I just don´t think that deep into everything because it´s nothing you´re gonna be able to control. So why put energy in something that you can´t control?'
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he was pleased with how Sanders played, but said it's too early to know if he will get more reps in practice or start the next preseason game against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in what is viewed as an open quarterback competition.
'I'm honestly not focused there,' Stefanski said. 'I think the guys need to continue to earn their roles. That´s what these guys are doing.'