Shedeur Sanders has quietly climbed the ladder in Cleveland. From starting the season buried as the fourth-string QB to now sitting at QB2, one step away from a real shot if Dillon Gabriel slips. He might not have fully won over head coach Kevin Stefanski just yet, but he’s definitely working on winning the hearts of the Cleveland Browns fans with his latest announcement.

In a post on Instagram, made in partnership with FOX8, Sanders announced he’ll be giving away a free car to someone making a difference in the Cleveland area. “I was BLESSED to be a BLESSING! We’re Blessing somebody that’s deserving with a CAR in Cleveland and nearby city’s! He captioned.

“I’m looking for difference makers in the community so help me find that person that’s always looking out for others but deserves to be Blessed as well. Click link in bio 😁” Sanders added.

This isn’t the first time Shedeur has gone out of his way for the Cleveland community. Ever since he was drafted in the fifth round, he’s made it his personal mission to give back to the city that took a bet on him. And unlike a lot of players who prefer to make quiet donations, Sanders has made it a point to actually show up.

Take what happened back in July, for example. After a devastating explosion and fire at the Rainbow Terrace Apartments in Cleveland’s Garden Valley displaced more than 40 families, Sanders showed up.

He put together the “Garden Valley Fun Fest,” a community event with free food, games, and entertainment. “Sending money and stuff, that’s easy. But you have to actually go out there and be in the flesh,” Sanders said. And that’s exactly what he did.

He stayed for hours, took every selfie that fans asked for, joined in on games of cornhole and pickup football, and even blew bubbles with the kids. Browns defensive end Mike Hall Jr. even showed up to support the cause.

“I feel a love in the community. I’m enjoying it. I’m excited about everything. I just wanted to come out here and enjoy myself with everybody. I feel like Cleveland is home. It feels normal to me,” Sanders said. And this community bonding might just get him that starting job someday.

Sanders’ community bonding can make him QB1

The Browns are fresh off a 31–6 win against the Miami Dolphins, and current QB1 Dillon Gabriel deserves credit. The rookie was efficient, completing 13 of 18 passes (72.2%) for 116 yards and a 89.1 passer rating. Not astonishing numbers, but steady. And that goes a long way in Cleveland. He hasn’t thrown a single interception.

But Gabriel’s situation is one of the toughest in the league. He might be the most scrutinized QB in the NFL right now because of who’s sitting behind him. The moment he slips up, every fan in Cleveland will be chanting Sanders’ name.

It’s like the point Hall of Famer Cris Carter made. “Gabriel would have a better chance of being successful if the backup behind him wasn’t named Shedeur Sanders. Because Gabriel, when he gets in, is going to struggle. And the people know Shedeur is behind him. So, it’s just a matter of ‘Okay, let’s get through him and get to Shedeur.’ So, I don’t think the Browns fans will be fair.”

Yeah, fair or not, that’s just how this story goes. The more Sanders connects with the community, the more the city falls in love with him. And when that first interception happens, or the Browns hit a rough patch, those same fans who adore Gabriel now might suddenly start calling for a change.