The Cleveland Browns’ rookie Shedeur Sanders is out to make a name for himself, and he’s not ready for his dad, NFL legend Deion Sanders, to cheer him on just yet.
Shedeur was picked in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, and at 23 years old, he’s working hard in his first training camp and has had some impressive moments with his accuracy and solid understanding of the playbook.
However, due to a sore arm, he hasn’t had much practice time recently, and knows he still has much to learn.
Sanders is Determined to Improve Independently Without Living in the Shadow of His Famous Father
At a recent press conference, Shedeur was asked why his father hasn’t shown up to watch him at camp yet.
His answer was classic—part funny, part real—and he said it with a smile.
“I told him don’t come, I look at it from my own point of view,I don’t want him coming to see me right now, because I want to get to where I want to go and then for him to see me.”
Via Youtube
It’s not that he doesn’t love his dad; he just doesn’t want Deion to play proud parent while he’s still finding his feet.
Shedeur wants his dad to support him only when he truly puts in the effort, not just for being present.
He further explained,
“I don’t want him to come and see me get a couple reps and then he’s cheering like a good dad. Like, nah, you can’t be proud of me right now, I got to get to where I’m going, and I know there’s a lot I’ve got to do to get there.”
Via Youtube
For Shedeur, it’s about proving himself through hard work and results, not depending on his father’s legacy.
The 23-year-old quarterback is focused on improving his skills and wants to avoid any distractions during training because he knows that having Deion at camp might take attention away from the team, which he never wants. Hr further said,
“I just want everything that I’m doing to be focused on this time, and I don’t want distractions. We know how everybody would take it, as taking away from the team, with my own dad showing up. It’s a gift and a curse at the same time.”
Via Youtube
Shedeur’s maturity and self-awareness have won over fans and teammates alike, who know a player committed to earning his place the hard way. Deion, for his part, seems not really bothered by his son’s request as a larger-than-life figure; he understands the game and respects Shedeur’s space to grow.
As one observer said, Deion is “already there without being there.”
Shedeur, meanwhile, stays calm and grounded as he deals with the highs and lows of his rookie season. Sure, Shedeur hasn’t had an easy time so far in a camp. What sets him apart is his determination to succeed independently, without relying on his dad’s fame. He’s focused on achieving greatness instead of just trying to get attention.
