“I handle business, stand on business; everything’s business, bruh,” Shedeur Sanders said ahead of the 2024 season. It was a mantra matched by a fresh haircut that announced he was ready for the spotlight. Cut to the NFL 2025 season, and Sanders is the Cleveland Browns’ emergency quarterback behind Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel. 

Now, just before a crucial London matchup, Sanders signaled a similar personal shift by posting an Instagram story poll captioned, “Thinking about getting a haircut in London 😂” And the Cleveland fans gave him a virtual nod for a style upgrade amid the QB chaos. 62% per cent said yes! 

The Browns are currently facing a tough reality of 1-3. And riding out the rough patch, they are gearing up for a London showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, with Gabriel as their starter. This will be his first start in an NFL regular-season game, marking a significant milestone in his young career. Some analysts are even comparing his quick, accurate style to Aaron Rodgers.

Meanwhile, Sanders is handling a crucial sideline role. He’s leading a group of young players in a post-practice red zone session. Asked about it, he said, “It’s concepts. Anytime you’re throwing the ball, there’s only so many ways you can get to different spots. I just enjoy it, and like I say, that’s my game day.” 

That’s Sanders’ way of showing he’s still in the fight, despite not seeing game action. The Browns see this as growth, even if fans are itching to see him on the field. With Gabriel’s first start approaching, Shedeur’s reaction to it started another debate in the league.

Shedeur Sanders faces backlash after a silent reaction

Things got heated when Sanders was asked about Gabriel getting the starting nod. Instead of giving a straightforward answer, Sanders went silent with a mimed gesture. The act was criticized online as immature and unprofessional. But not everyone bought the negative narrative. 

Former NFL coach Bruce Arians stepped up in Sanders’ defense, questioning why a third-string quarterback gets media attention at all. On the Up & Adams show, Arians said, “Why is the 3rd quarterback getting interviews? He had nothing to do with the game. He’s a heck of a personality, but the personality can’t come out until you do something on the field.”

Arians’ comments cut to the core of the debate: the Browns are juggling a lot more than just quarterback rotations. They’re managing player development, media relations, and fan expectations. All while trying to fix their losing record.

Sanders’ muted reaction may have rubbed some the wrong way, but the spotlight was never rightfully his to command just yet. The Browns clearly believe in a measured, long-term process. Sanders leading the scout team’s red zone work and prepping behind Gabriel and Flacco keeps him in the system without rushing the narrative.

In the end, everything clicks: a rookie QB debut in London, a veteran QB benched, and a flashy third-stringer pondering a haircut as a symbolic reset. If football is business, then Sanders is handling his side of it. And the haircut is just another way to keep himself in the spotlight.