In a surprising twist during the NFL offseason, Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback from the Colorado Buffaloes, has found himself donning a new number as he embarks on his professional career with the Cleveland Browns. After being ranked as the No. 5 player in the draft by Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, Sanders slipped to the fifth round and was selected as the 144th overall pick. Instead of wearing his signature No. 2 jersey, which he proudly sported throughout his college years, Sanders will kick off his rookie season in No. 12.
The decision comes after veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter claimed No. 2, a number that holds significant meaning for Sanders, who not only wore it at Colorado but also incorporated it into his branding. Fans on social media have been vocal, urging Carter to relinquish the number back to Sanders. "Aye tell Deandre Carter to gone head and come off that number," one fan commented. Another added, "DeAndre Carter needs to come up off that #2 immediately." A third fan chimed in, emphasizing the legacy attached to the number, saying, "Aye um…….. Deandre Carter you gotta hop out that #2 bro bro you know who’s that is 'legendary' messing up the legacy bro bro."
Despite the backlash from fans, Carter, who has played for six different teams and accumulated only 117 receptions for 1,331 yards and six touchdowns over his nine-year career, remains the owner of the number. However, it's worth noting that jersey numbers are subject to change before the season starts, and Carter could still decide to give up No. 2 as late as the start of the 2025 season.
As for Sanders, he will wear No. 12, a number that holds its own significance. Not only did his former teammate Travis Hunter wear No. 12 at Colorado, but both Sanders' No. 2 and Hunter's No. 12 were retired during Colorado’s annual Spring Game. This transition to No. 12 might also symbolize new beginnings for Sanders, who is eager to establish his legacy in the NFL.
During his time at Colorado, Sanders set over 100 school records, including career passing touchdowns, passer rating, and completion percentage. His performance on the field has not gone unnoticed, and he is now set to make his debut in the Browns' rookie minicamp scheduled for May 9-11, 2025. The minicamp will provide fans with their first glimpse of Sanders in his new Browns uniform.
At the minicamp, Sanders will not be alone. The Browns also drafted quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who will wear No. 5, and the competition for the starting quarterback position is heating up. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to an Achilles injury, the Browns have a crowded quarterback room that includes 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders himself. The stakes are high, as Watson could miss the entire 2025 season, leaving the door wide open for the other quarterbacks to compete for the starting role.
Sanders is not just focused on football; he is also making an effort to connect with the Cleveland community. Recently, he met with students at John Marshall High School, where he emphasized the importance of their actions in shaping their future. "I’m trying to bring Cleveland a Super Bowl!" Sanders declared, showcasing his determination to make a difference both on and off the field. He added, "But off the field, I want to bring more hope and positivity to the city, and connecting with young people is one of the best ways to do that."
The Cleveland Browns have a storied history, but they have yet to secure a Super Bowl victory. The team reached the AFC Championship game in the 1986, 1987, and 1989 seasons but fell short of reaching the Super Bowl. After finishing last in the AFC North last season with a disappointing 3-14 record, the Browns are looking for a turnaround in the upcoming season, and Sanders is determined to be a part of that change.
As the Browns prepare for their offseason activities and minicamps, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition. With no clear front-runner as of now, how the coaches decide to allocate reps among Sanders, Gabriel, Flacco, and Pickett will be crucial in determining the team's direction heading into training camp this summer.
In summary, Shedeur Sanders is ready to make his mark in the NFL, albeit in a new jersey number. With a passionate fanbase rallying behind him and a community eager for change, Sanders' journey with the Cleveland Browns is just beginning. The rookie minicamp will be the first step in what many hope will be a successful and impactful career.
