Shedeur Sanders Struggles in Pro Bowl Flag Football Game, But Stays Focused on Bigger Picture
Shedeur Sanders' rookie season in the NFL wasn’t exactly the dream debut many had hoped for. In eight games, he threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7) and posted a passer rating of 68.1 - the lowest in the league among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts. And while the Pro Bowl Games are meant to be more fun than fierce, Sanders’ struggles followed him into the 7-on-7 flag football main event on Tuesday.
From the outset, the Cleveland Browns rookie looked uncomfortable. One of his early passes was picked off by Chicago Bears veteran safety Kevin Byard, a moment that drew some sharp criticism from media voices, including longtime analyst Tony Grossi. But despite the rough patches, Sanders still managed to flash some of the arm talent that made him a high-profile prospect coming out of college.
He threw two touchdowns in the first half - one to Texans wideout Nico Collins and another to Broncos offensive lineman Garrett Bolles, who found himself on the receiving end of a trick play. Thanks to those scores, the AFC held a 44-34 lead at halftime.
But the second half wasn’t as kind. Sanders threw another interception, this time to Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright in the third quarter.
And while he wasn’t solely to blame, the AFC couldn’t hold on. The NFC surged in the fourth quarter, sealing a 66-52 win after Antoine Winfield Jr. picked off Joe Burrow, setting up a touchdown connection between Jalen Hurts and CeeDee Lamb.
It wasn’t the kind of performance Sanders would’ve hoped for on a national stage, even in a relaxed exhibition setting. But for a young quarterback still finding his footing, these reps - even in flag football - offer valuable experience.
Back to His Roots, with a Bit of Style
Before taking the field, Sanders took a moment to reflect on his time at Colorado, where he became one of the most talked-about players in college football. During a special episode of Up & Adams, he shared a light-hearted piece of advice for the current Buffaloes roster:
“Don’t wear ankle socks. He doesn’t like that. Not if you’re on the football field,” Sanders said, referencing his father and head coach, Deion Sanders, with a grin.
When asked about the possibility of launching a new shoe line, Sanders played it close to the vest. “I think everything is aligned.
I think everything has purpose and everything is about timing, perfect timing,” he said. “Which is ironic, cause that’s my song, but everything is about the timing of it… But they can focus on that while I focus on keeping the main thing the main thing.”
That “main thing” remains his development as a quarterback. And while the results haven’t been there yet, Sanders is building a support system that includes some of the game’s most respected names.
A New Mentor in Michael Vick
Sanders revealed that he’s recently formed a mentorship bond with former Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick. That relationship adds to a growing list of quarterback icons who’ve taken an interest in his development - a list that already includes Tom Brady, who worked with Sanders during his college years.
For a young QB trying to navigate the pressure of NFL expectations and the spotlight that comes with his last name, leaning on voices like Vick and Brady could be a game-changer.
The Pro Bowl Games may not have gone his way, but Shedeur Sanders isn’t shying away from the work. He knows the spotlight isn't going anywhere - and neither is he.