Everything’s anonymous when it comes to Shedeur Sanders‘ critics. “He’s a good person, but people didn’t like the personality,” a league source told FOX Sports. One top-7 team called him “brash” and “arrogant” following his NFL Combine interviews. And then NFL Rookie Watch posted—“Some NFL teams are reportedly ‘concerned’ that Sanders isn’t solely focused on football, but rather his rap career and creating a personality out of himself… One anonymous NFL GM reportedly believes there’s ‘red flags’ to Shedeur’s personality between his fiery attitude and the watch flexing.” And then there’s Cam Newton, who didn’t hide behind anonymity. His shocking verdict left the football world reeling. 

Ask Shannon Sharpe. He wasn’t pleased when he read out Cam Newton’s stance on Shedeur Sanders in the May 1st episode of Nightcap. “Cam Newton calls out Shedeur Sanders for acting like a DB and being too loud. Lead with work, not clout. He took on a persona of a DB. DB, you’re able to do certain things. You can speak loud, be rambunctious and have bravado. As a quarterback, you’re CEO.” That’s Cam Newton to you. As for Sharpe?

“Make money but don’t forget now,” he said. “The number one job is to go in the quarterback job and make money. I ain’t got no problem making money, selling things, but hey, at the end of the day, I want to be known for what I’m known for.” For the former NFL TE, the main thing that matters is if Shedeur Sanders can deliver on the field as the quarterback. 

Previously, Shannon Sharpe used Cam Newton as an example of how he was also considered brash coming out of college. And he went on to leave his mark behind in the NFL. “In this situation, can he play football?” he questioned. Then, he also threw Coach Prime into the picture, saying, “His dad was brash. I’m confused. At the end of the day, can the guy play football?” Co-host Chad Ochocinco Johnson also jumped in, covering for Shedeur Sanders. “He’s a little bit more flashy, he has a little bit more aura and bounce to him. It comes with the last name in general, you know,” Ocho said.

Chad Johnson even blasted the “arrogant” narrative previously by straight up making a bold comparison with Lamar Jackson. “Lamar Jackson has been Lamar Jackson since Louisville. Lamar Jackson been Lamar Jackson since he was that boy in High School. So Lamar Jackson even NFL he’s still Lamar Jackson. He hasn’t changed or conformed to the ways in which they say a quarterback should be. In talk, in dress, he’s remained authentically himself,” Ocho added.

But the overall message is that people mistake confidence for arrogance when they don’t vibe with you. “Shedeur comes with the camera and the lights and the glitz and glamor already,” he said. “He has it all before he even got to the NFL, so it’s hard to tone that down and then bring it back out, but listen, he in there now, so the sky’s the limit.” But Cam Newton? He already recognized Shedeur Sanders’ weakness even before the draft. 

Cam Newton’s raw opinion on Shedeur Sanders

Back in January, Cam Newton didn’t mince words in an ESPN interview. “The thing about Shedeur, I am the guy that’s been pushing him to the greatness. I want to see Shedeur pick early,” he said. Then came the hammer—“But Shedeur also does not want to be challenged.” Fast forward after Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round to Cleveland, he made a bold comparison.

“Travis Hunter is what we would think Shedeur is supposed to be. Travis Hunter is polished like a quarterback. Shedeur has always got this mean mug look on his face. Snobbish-looking, you know what I’m saying? I’ve met Shedeur multiple times, and I’m looking at him and I’m like, ‘Okay.’” He even emulated that watch-flexing move. 

That’s coming from Cam Newton, the guy who’s been known to rock capes and hats that give Halloween vibes and extravagant jewelry. He’s not Superman for no reason. So when he slammed Shedeur Sanders, saying, “he’s always in character like, ‘I gotta portray like I’m hard’,” eyebrows are definitely raised. But yeah, the new Browns QB is polarizing.

Some may say he’s too Hollywood; some say he’s just being himself. But with the NFL spotlight now locked on him, it’s sink or swim. Cam Newton wants him to tone down. Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson want people to let him play. And fans just want results. Well, everyone will soon get their answers.