United States of America President Donald Trump was impressed with Shedeur Sanders in his first start with the Cleveland Browns.
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Trump made it clear that he felt Sanders was a franchise quarterback. Yet, he fell to the fifth round when the Browns took him.
On Sunday, Sanders made his first NFL start as Dillon Gabriel was in concussion protocol. The rookie quarterback played well as he helped the Browns beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10 on the road.
After his solid performance, Trump took to social media on Monday morning to praise Sanders after leading the Browns to a road win.
“I told you so”
“Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes. I TOLD YOU SO!,” Trump wrote.
It’s high praise from the President, who thought Sanders played great and showed he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
In the Browns’ win, Sanders went 11-of-20 for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Sanders Was ‘Thankful’ for Trump’s Support After NFL Draft
Entering the NFL Draft, Sanders had hopes of being a first-round pick.
Yet, the rookie quarterback fell to the fifth round, and Trump was critical of NFL teams for not drafting him sooner.
“What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” Trump wrote on Truth Social on April 25. “Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart!
“Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck, Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!”
After Trump defended Sanders, the quarterback said at the Browns’ rookie minicamp that he was thankful for the support.
“I was truly thankful for it,” Sanders said. “Including him, there were a lot of fans, a lot of people in barbershops, a lot of hairstylists. A lot of fans of me, my craft and my family that were there in support. I was thankful that I have that foundation.”
Sanders started the year as the Browns’ third-string quarterback but could now be the starter.
Browns Not Committing to Sanders at QB
Despite Sanders helping the Browns beat the Raiders on Sunday, head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t sure he will remain the starter.
Sanders only started because Gabriel was in concussion protocol, and after the game, Stefanski wouldn’t confirm the team would remain with Sanders.
“I’m not going to get into that,” Stefanski said postgame on Sunday. “Obviously, proud of him and proud of this offense, and there are a ton of things to learn from, but I’m just going to worry about today.”
Stefanski said he’s going to take his time to do what is best for the team. Sanders, however, believes that if he’s the starting quarterback, the Browns’ offense can be dangerous.
“I think I showed a couple of great pieces. There’s some things I wish I could get back,” Sanders told CBS Sports sideline reporter Tiffany Blackmon. “But man, a win is crazy. It’s amazing, you know, after one week of practice. … So imagine, you know, what a full offseason look like. It get dangerous.”
The Browns will host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Donald Trump Shares High Praise for Shedeur Sanders After 1st Browns Start