The Cleveland Browns are heading into Week 14 with a familiar face under center - and a bit of off-field intrigue surrounding their head coach and their rookie quarterback’s famous father.
After making his NFL debut in Week 12 and picking up his first win, Shedeur Sanders is officially locked in for his third straight start as the Browns prepare to face the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed earlier this week that Sanders will remain the starter, despite fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel being active on the roster.
Sanders is 1-1 as a starter, with a loss last week to the San Francisco 49ers. But the Browns are sticking with him, and that decision continues to draw attention - not just for what’s happening on the field, but for what’s been going on behind the scenes.
Following Sanders’ debut against the Raiders, Stefanski reportedly extended an olive branch to Deion Sanders - Shedeur’s father and the ever-visible “Coach Prime” - offering to take him out to dinner. According to reports, Deion “flat out” declined the invitation.
The reason? Some believed Deion wasn’t thrilled with how Stefanski handled Shedeur’s early NFL experience.
But now, just two weeks later, it seems the tension has cooled.
In a video posted by Deion Sanders Jr., Coach Prime was seen visiting the Browns’ facility this week. The footage showed him meeting with both Stefanski and his son, suggesting that whatever friction existed may have been short-lived. There was no drama in the clip - just a father checking in on his son, and a head coach showing respect.
This comes after a Browns insider, Quantrell Bishop - known online as El Presador - claimed Stefanski was trying to “ingratiate himself with the Sanders clan” in an effort to strengthen ties and perhaps, in Bishop’s words, “save his job.” While that’s one perspective, the more important story here is what’s happening on the field, not off it.
And on the field, Shedeur Sanders continues to grow into the role. He’s shown flashes of poise and playmaking ability, even in a tough loss to a dominant 49ers defense. With the Titans up next - a team that’s struggled all season and enters Sunday with just one win - this could be a prime opportunity for Sanders to stack another victory and build momentum.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been fluid all year, but Stefanski’s decision to give Sanders another start speaks volumes. It’s not just about potential - it’s about trust. The Browns believe Sanders gives them a chance to win, and for now, that’s all that matters.
As for Deion and Stefanski? Whatever conversations happened behind closed doors, they appear to be on the same page - at least for now. And with Shedeur continuing to earn his stripes on Sundays, that’s a storyline worth watching as the Browns push toward the final stretch of the season.