It’s not every day you see a rookie quarterback’s first lesson in pro football come off the field, but that’s exactly what’s happening for the Browns’ fifth round pick, Shedeur Sanders. The young quarterback isn’t just battling for a roster spot; he’s also learning fast—and the hard way—about the off-field expectations that come with wearing an NFL jersey.
The Browns actually doubled up at quarterback in the draft by selecting Sanders and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, sending a clear message that competition at the position is wide open. But right now, Sanders finds himself in the spotlight for reasons coaches would rather not see. He’s been pulled over twice for speeding, with reports saying one of those trips hit triple digits—right around 100 MPH. Not exactly the sort of footwork you want to see from your quarterback.
General manager Andrew Berry wasn’t about to sugarcoat the situation when he spoke with reporters at training camp this week. Berry called Sanders’ recent decisions “not smart,” emphasizing that the risks in these scenarios go way beyond just getting to your destination a little faster. “It’s not just about yourself. It’s not just about having a joyride, but that you could injure other people. … A deer or something cuts in front of you, your reaction time, it’s just dangerous,” Berry said. The tone was clear: these moments matter, especially for young players trying to earn the trust of the franchise and their teammates.
For his part, Sanders faced the music and was candid about what he took from the incidents. He told the media, “Yeah, I definitely learned not to drive fast at all… I really don’t even drive that much anymore. But I really don’t drive fast at all. So I definitely follow the rules and I hope everybody learned from my situation, you know that not drive fast at all.” It’s the sort of accountability you hope to see in a young athlete coming into a leadership position.
Here’s what we know: Sanders was cited first for driving 91 in a 65 zone. Less than two weeks later, he was clocked at 101 in a 60. That’s over $500 in fines and court fees for the rookie, but more importantly, it’s a wake-up call about the responsibility that comes with being the face of a franchise—or even just earning a shot to be in that position.
For the Browns, the message is simple: talent is only part of the equation. What you do when you’re not holding the football, just as much as what you do on Sunday afternoon, helps determine your future in the league. Sanders has settled up with the courts, and now, eyes will be on how he responds on the field—and off it—from here on out. This is his moment to show he’s learned, and that he’s ready to put all his speed and energy back where it belongs: in the playbook and on the practice field.
