Browns QB Shedeur Sanders gets strong advice from former NFL MVP ahead of upcoming season

Shedeur Sanders was undoubtedly one of the standout figures in the latest Draft, with fate ultimately landing him as the newest member of the Cleveland Browns. While there’s no questioning his talent, some—like a former NFL MVP—believe his success will depend on focusing on performance rather than the spotlight.

Cam Newton came within reach of glory but ultimately fell short of lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 50. Still, being named league MVP that season gives weight to his opinions—one of which now centers on Sanders and his transition into the league.

During the latest episode of the ‘4th & 1’ podcast, the former Panthers and Patriots quarterback advised Shedeur to step away from off-field distractions and focus on his preparation—something he believes could be the key to unlocking the young QB’s full potential.

“Lead with work, not clout. Lead with your working to be the starting quarterback to an unproven quarterback room. This is a great situation for Shedeur, you dig what I’m saying. This is a great situation here because it’s not like he’s going into a quarterback room where, whoever was drafted, I look at a quarterback room that everybody’s even and everybody’s equal.

Cam Newton attends ESPN First Take at Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College on November 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“So if you’re legendary like you say you are, this is how you prove it. Don’t lead with the chains, don’t lead with the cars, don’t lead with the aura of content and this and that. Man, if you want to win people over, you win them over by working, you win them by knowing what you’re supposed to do, and what others are supposed to do as a quarterback,” Newton stated.

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Who will be the starting QB for the Browns?

With the NFL season fast approaching, Kevin Stefanski faces a crucial decision: who will be his starting quarterback come Week 1? Will he lean on experience, or take a chance on youth?

On one hand, the additions of both Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett bring valuable veteran presence to the Browns‘ roster—experience that can make a difference in high-pressure situations. Pickett may hold an edge over Flacco in one key area: age.

In the latest NFL Draft, the Browns had the luxury of landing both the highly talked-about Shedeur Sanders and former Oregon standout Dillon Gabriel. However, it’s widely believed that both rookies may start the season slightly behind in the quarterback pecking order.