NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders was blunt with his messages after helping to a win in his first NFL start Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
He warned the rest of the league that a full offseason with the first team could make the Browns look “dangerous” and he vowed to all his detractors that he would not fail. Sanders was criticized on social media for being arrogant when he made the remarks after going 11 of 20 for 209 yards and a touchdown.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, left, and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) greet each other after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview that he was “on the fence” with some of Sanders’ remarks and could understand why he would receive criticism of arrogance or overconfidence.
“But on the other hand, I don’t want to play with a quarterback that’s not confident. I just don’t do it. Personally, I think that little bit of arrogance from Shedeur makes the Browns feel like they had a chance to win every week, which they haven’t had all season,” the former San Diego Chargers linebacker said in praising Myles Garrett and the Cleveland defense.
“When you have them, all they need is a defense. When you play at this level, you have to feel like you come into a game and have a chance to win. That’s enough. And I think Shedeur’s confidence, like it or not, resonates in this locker room. You saw the guys on the sideline when he made that 50-plus yard pass — that kind of thing is contagious. You walk that fine line of confidence and you say things that “
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) prepares for a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)
HOW TO WATCH THE PACKERS VS LIONS NFL GAME ON TUBI, FOX ONE
Sanders got the nod for the Browns’ Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Merriman expected big things for Sanders if he comes out and pulls off another victory.
“I know there’s a lot of outside pressure and media pressure and him going to the fifth round and everything that’s going on outside of the locker room,” he told PK Press Club Digital. “What happened with Shedeur is the best possible situation for him. You had two quarterbacks in front of him that didn’t get it done. What you want to do is don’t rush, don’t listen to the people outside the locker room. He stayed the course and stayed positive. His time has come.
San Diego Chargers linebacker (56) Shawne Merriman against the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on September 20, 2009. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
“If he goes out and gets another win this week, he’ll solidify himself as the starting quarterback. He just has to ignore what’s going on outside the locker room and keep doing what he’s doing.”
