Shedeur Sanders has finally broken his silence after former NFL coach Rex Ryan’s harsh critique lit up headlines. However, the rookie quarterback didn’t say anything directly about the former coach. Now it’s on the fans to decide whether they see it as a response to Ryan or just Shedeur being himself.

While the intent behind his words remains open to interpretation, the 23-year-old chose to keep things light. “I’m trying to walk outside phil; I’m going outside, whatsup bruh, ay bros stay focused bro stay focused, trust the process, (something something) no laughing no smiling.” In just a few casual phrases, Sanders conveyed his mindset without saying much at all.

Some viewed the young QB’s comments as a quiet response, especially after Ryan’s sharp critique of his attitude and NFL potential.

Earlier on, Ryan had taken a direct shot at the Buffaloes alum, criticizing both his attitude and readiness for the NFL. “This kid talks and he runs his mouth. Like he said, ‘I can be a starting quarterback’… Get your a** in the front row and study and do all that… Quit being an embarrassment that way. You’ve got the talent to be the quarterback, you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”

It was a harsh assessment, and since making those remarks, Ryan has faced mounting backlash from members of the Sanders family.

The young QB’s mother, Pilar, also fired back at the former NFL coach. She took to Instagram and wrote, “To young Athletes and Football fans… This is what imp-ent, cancerous, envious energy looks like. What and who does he really represent? There’s no room for this type in sports. Please (be quiet emoji)… Tsk tsk tsk… Enuff!” It was a fiery post, but she later deleted it. Was it an outburst too much? Maybe!

However, it’s clear that Shedeur Sanders is struggling with the Browns. HC Kevin Stefanski tried to ignore the question about the rookie by saying he (QB) was not in his (HC’s) focus. So, there are plenty of doubts about when he will start or play for the AFC North franchise.

Still, amid all the uncertainty, Shedeur managed to spark a lighter moment.

Shedeur Sanders brings a smile to his father’s face

It came after his mime interview went viral, in which he could be seen smiling in the Browns’ locker room. But no one could hear a word as it was muted. Yet the fans found a moment worth laughing. The biggest smile of them all was on the face of Deion Coach Prime Sanders.

He commented on the video, “😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Good 1 son. You did that.” The family support is present and helping him get through thick and thin. And it becomes a lot more crucial as Shedeur Sanders is dealing with all the scenarios alone, by himself.

Even earlier in the offseason, he stopped his father from coming to the practice as he did not want to put any heritage connotation to it. But the fans are watching his every move.

Coming back to the mime video, Sanders smiled and gave a silent, muted response when asked about the Browns’ decision to bench veteran Joe Flacco and start Oregon rookie Dillon Gabriel. The clip, filmed inside the locker room, quickly went viral.

Sanders didn’t say anything, but his message was clear: he is more than just talk. Right now, he is still third on the Browns’ depth chart, so it might take time before he gets to prove himself on the field.

Still, that smile showed one thing: the outside noise isn’t getting to him.