Former Browns coach gets brutally honest about Shedeur Sanders’ recent off-the-field issues

In recent days, Shedeur Sanders has come under heavy scrutiny due to several off-the-field issues. Now, a former Cleveland Browns coach has decided to speak out seriously about what’s going on with the rookie quarterback.

Shedeur Sanders’ path to the NFL hasn’t been easy. At one point, he was considered a top-tier prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft—but he slid all the way to the fifth round in a dramatic and unexpected fall.

Now, the former Colorado standout has a lot to prove. He not only needs to show the Browns that he deserves to be in the competition for the starting quarterback job, but also that he can handle the responsibilities that come with life off the field.

Former Browns coach gets real about Shedeur Sanders’ recent issues

The transition from college to the NFL can be challenging. Some players struggle to adapt to the professional environment, and it appears that Shedeur Sanders may be facing those challenges now.

According to reports, Sanders’ draft slide was largely due to poor pre-draft interviews. Some coaches believed he wasn’t mentally prepared to be an NFL quarterback—and his recent actions may be reinforcing that perception.

It was recently revealed that Sanders received two citations for speeding. Although he paid the fines, the incidents raised questions among fans and analysts about his maturity now that he’s officially in the league.

However, former Browns head coach Eric Mangini is urging people not to overreact. Mangini, who previously dealt with player issues during his time in Cleveland—including the troubled tenure of Josh Gordon—believes Sanders’ struggles may stem from being on his own for the first time without the constant presence of his father, Deion Sanders. He believes Shedeur will learn from these early missteps.

“This is, in fairness to Shedeur, the first time he’s been outside his dad’s overview, his dad’s house,” Mangini told Colin Cowherd. “I think he was his high school, then his college coach … This is like any kid who’s away from home for the first time. There’s gonna be a couple hiccups here and there.

“I don’t love it from a fifth-round draft pick. I don’t love that it’s happened multiple times. I do think this is the first time he’s away from his dad and there’s going to be some growing pains. Would I sell my stock on it like you are? No, because of a couple speeding tickets, especially in the light of the problems the Browns quarterback room had had to deal with legally in the last few years. This is nothing.“

Shedeur Sanders is running out of chances

Despite his fifth-round selection, Shedeur Sanders entered the league with expectations based on his college success and raw talent. But while he may have the tools to lead an offense, there were red flags that scared teams away during the draft.

Although the Browns are not expected to discipline Sanders over the speeding incidents, he isn’t helping his case. This offseason will be critical. He needs to prove to Cleveland’s front office and coaching staff that he belongs in the NFL—because if not, his future in the league could already be in jeopardy.