During the Cleveland Browns‘ preseason game on Friday, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders addressed critical comments from veteran Browns reporter Tony Grossi. The Colorado Buffaloes alumnus directly told Grossi,
“You only say negative stuff about me. … I ain’t do nothing to you.”
This exchange highlighted tensions between the player and media, drawing attention to Sanders as he begins his NFL journey.
Sports insider Robert Littal noticed the moment and praised Sanders for his confidence in handling the situation. Littal also contrasted Sanders’ composure with former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield’s past encounters with Grossi, marking Sanders’ response as a significant display of self-assurance and maturity.
“Grossi has been like this for 30 years,” Littal tweeted on Saturday. “Baker (Mayfield) couldn’t handle it. Shedeur (Sanders) disarmed him in 60 seconds and changed his energy. That’s a gift not all people have for negative people.”
Grossi’s challenging relationship with Mayfield is well documented; before the 2018 NFL draft, Grossi vocally opposed the Browns selecting Mayfield first overall. Additionally, in 2019, Mayfield famously walked out of a locker room interview when asked a question by Grossi. Sanders‘ poised reaction suggests a different approach to dealing with such criticism.
Strong Performance Marks Shedeur Sanders’s Preseason Debut
Shedeur Sanders made an impactful entrance with the Cleveland Browns in their preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s team faced off against Dave Canales’ squad, and Sanders emerged as a key figure, delivering an impressive showing that excited fans and analysts alike.
In this game, Sanders completed passes totaling 138 yards and threw two touchdowns, while adding 19 rushing yards. His performance led to him being rested in the fourth quarter of the contest, which concluded with a win for the Browns. Given that Sanders is only early into his time with the first team, his ability to make such an impression has generated positive buzz around his potential.
The Browns will give Sanders more opportunities in the upcoming preseason games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams before they kick off the regular season versus the Cincinnati Bengals. These appearances will be crucial for Sanders to further establish himself within the Browns’ quarterback competition.
Implications of Sanders’s Reaction and Future Prospects with the Browns
Shedeur Sanders’ direct response to reporter Tony Grossi signals a shift in how incoming players navigate media criticism. Unlike Mayfield, who reportedly struggled with Grossi’s negative tone, Sanders confronted it confidently, indicating resilience and focus on his career.
As one of two rookie quarterbacks on the Browns’ roster, Sanders is positioning himself as a promising talent, prepared to handle both on-field challenges and off-field pressures. His strong preseason debut, coupled with his vocal stance against disparagement, could influence the team’s quarterback dynamics this season and beyond.
With more preseason games ahead, Sanders is expected to continue showcasing his skills and grow in confidence, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal role in Cleveland’s 2025 season.