The NFL preseason is usually a time for deep roster cuts and low-stakes football, but Shedeur Sanders’ recent debut for the Browns changed all that. The rookie quarterback, who entered training camp as the fourth option on the depth chart, looked sharp and confident, with 2 touchdowns that guided the Browns to a 30-10 win. His performance didn’t just get fans talking; it created a buzz that rippled far beyond the world of football, drawing strong reactions from some of the biggest names in the NBA.

Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, has been no stranger to the spotlight. But his performance against the Panthers put him on a different level. His confidence and swagger on the field, combined with the celebrity attention, have created a feeling in Cleveland that hasn’t been seen in a long, long time. It’s a feeling of a rookie with genuine star power that transcends the sport itself. The comparison to a certain Cleveland legend was not lost on NBA analyst and former champion Kendrick Perkins.

“Shedeur got a preseason game feeling like a playoff opener,” Perkins tweeted. “Like I said, most star power for a Rookie in Cleveland since LeBron!” He then doubled down on the tweet during his appearance on the Road Trippin’ Podcast. During this discussion, the Celtics legend also sent a warning to the Browns to get their affairs in order.

“Did you see Shedeur Sanders?” Kendrick Perkins continued, “He balled the f— out. Let me tell you, I don’t know what’s going on in Cleveland with that organization. And I don’t understand, you know, when they put out the depth chart and he’s still at number four, but if they knew better, they would do better.” Big Perk is talking about the QB hierarchy with the Browns. Veteran Joe Flacco is listed as the starter, with Kenny Pickett (hamstring) behind him and rookie Dillon Gabriel as the QB3. The former NBA champion wants the situation to change soon.

“He’s selling jerseys. He’s going to put butts in the seat. And this real life, real talk. He does something. He brings something to the table that I haven’t seen in a long time. When it comes down to bringing some form of togetherness. I’ve never seen, right, how people, athletes, entertainers from other sports react and root to support this young man. Like they played, I believe it was the Panthers. It was nothing but Shedeur Sanders jerseys in there. He is the most powerful, far as a rookie. I haven’t seen somebody this powerful in Cleveland as a rookie since LeBron James.”

The message is loud, and it’s clear that the Browns should bank on Sanders more, as the Colorado alum continues to make the most of his chances. “Cleveland, get y’all s— together. That should be y’all starting quarterback for on the business side first, foremost, and on the field side.” Perk’s take on Sanders’ star power is backed up by the numbers.

The Browns’ preseason opener drew an average of 2.237 million viewers, per NFL Media on X, on Friday, making it the NFL Network’s most-watched preseason game since 2015. The league also noted that it was the NFL Network’s most-watched first week of preseason ever, proving that Sanders’ debut wasn’t just a feel-good story, but a legitimate draw that put butts in seats, just as Perkins claimed.

LeBron James’ co-sign for a fellow Chosen One

Nike simply added a 5-word message as Coach Prime’s son took center stage. “Only a matter of time.” Despite being QB4, the 23-year-old has gotten more opportunities in training camp with both Pickett and Gabriel missing time with hamstring injuries. He made sure to make it count against the Panthers. And the LeBron-like effect was made even more real when LeBron James himself weighed in.

“That young 🤴🏾 looking good out there! @ShedeurSanders Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high 🙌🏾🫡.” But he wasn’t done with just one message; he also had warnings for the critics. “And I don’t wanna hear that ‘it’s only preseason’ bs. Cause if he was out there not going in y’all would be on his a– about it! So give credit and grace lames. 🤷🏾‍♂️.” Translation: don’t discredit the performance and sweep it, calling it a preseason game.

Sanders may not be perfect by any means in the preseason opener last Friday night against the Carolina Panthers. But he did well for himself by going 14-for-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 rushing yards on four carries. Again, this may not be elite numbers, but it’s certainly not by any means the stats a QB4 puts out.