As Shedeur Sanders bid adieu to Colorado, he was honored by the university’s athletic department. Having spent two years in Boulder and contributed significantly to their success under Deion Sanders, his efforts were reciprocated by retiring his jersey number, two. However, since then, it has been a difficult transition for Sanders. From going unpicked in the initial rounds to being the victim of a cruel prank call, it has been a whirlwind of emotions for the former Buffs QB. Eventually, the Browns came around in the fifth round and drafted him, and despite showing confidence in him, things haven’t gone to plan.

Shedeur Sanders’ jersey number has become a contentious controversy in the NFL. Many expected Shedeur to land his favorite number 2, given its brand influence and marketability. But on Tuesday, the Browns announced  Shedeur’s NFL jersey number as 12, and this didn’t go down well in many circles.

As a 5th-round pick wouldn’t usually get much of a choice about their jersey number. Nor will it become a big deal. But, unfortunately, it has. That media circus that people warned about would come with Shedeur Sanders? The one you don’t want for a rookie, let alone a potential backup? Yeah, it’s arriving. But to his credit, Shedeur himself is keeping it at bay and is focused on the goal of proving himself.

Earlier in the week, Hellion ‘Boog’ Knight, the head of operations for Young Money APAA, said the following in an IG story he later deleted. “There’s no way Cleveland Browns should’ve gave #2 to anyone else. Especially to a WR who [hasn’t] worn #2 before in his career. But we knew that was coming, so we ain’t flinching about it. It was expected. Take it, smile, then MAKE IT LEGENDARY! KEEP GOING,” wrote Boog Knight. The emotion certainly isn’t lost here.

The WR in question is DeAndre Carter. He’s a veteran but has rocked seven different jersey numbers with 6 different teams. Make of that what you will. Alas, Knight himself has now come out and relayed Shedeur Sanders’ stance about this entire ordeal. Speaking over 850 ESPN Cleveland, Boog Knight said Shedeur Sanders has told him, “Man, give me number 99. I just want to play ball.” Shedeur is locked in.

For someone who came under fire for his behavior during the pre-draft interviews and the Combine, Shedeur has kept a commendable attitude during his NFL induction. Even after sliding down the draft rounds, Shedeur remained gracious. Following the conclusion of the third round, he posted a five-word message on X (formerly Twitter): “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING.”

The agent and his entourage aren’t going to pad up and take to the gridiron. Nor will they wear the jersey. That’ll be Shedeur Sanders. So while others have a right to feel some type of way, his mentality towards this will dictate things inside the facility and for his future. Which segues into what Browns’ HC Kevin Stefanski said about Shedeur’s future. In particular, him with the QB picking order in juxtaposition with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. 

Kevin Stefanski’s comments on Dillon Gabriel double as an indirect message to Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders is really up against it. The transition to the NFL was never quite going to be linear or seamless, but his path is more treacherous than most. Getting drafted after your franchise already picked a QB on Day 2 is a very precarious spot to be in. You’re automatically assumed to be behind at least one guy on the pre-camp depth chart. From what Kevin Stefanski said about 3rd round pick Dillon Gabriel, that assumption is edging closer to fact.

“We really felt strongly about Dillon throughout this process. I think he’s a really strong, really, really good prospect. You know, that’s not to say that we didn’t meet with other quarterbacks that we thought were really talented players and good people. But we felt strongly about Dillon. We think he’s an excellent player and felt like he was the most appropriate player to pick,” said Stefanski. This is primarily a reiteration of belief and confidence in Dillon Gabriel. Instill some confidence in a player that can tend to feel hard done after his team picked a higher profile QB right after him. But Stefanski’s comments also double as a warning to Shedeur Sanders. About how Gabriel really was deemed the best option by him and the brass.

This perception can still change, of course. This was already the biggest preseason of Shedeur Sanders’ young career. But the ante is now upped to 11. It’s gone from important to potentially make-or-break. With so many quarterbacks in the building, chances to impress will inadvertently be spread across and limited. If Shedeur wants to become a starter in the league, he’s got to get out both players and prejudice. The way he’s handling the jersey number stuff tells you he’s up for the challenge.