NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made franchise history with his Week 12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and head coach Kevin Stefanski is keeping him as the team’s starter heading into this week.
However, there is a group of Sanders fans who have been saying all season that Stefanski “sabotaged” the Colorado product. Sanders says otherwise.
The Browns’ fifth-round pick spoke to reporters when one reporter said, “All your supporters out there are saying Kevin Stefanski sabotaged you.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski talks with Shedeur Sanders #12 before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
“So you just want to start with trouble huh?” Sanders responded during his press conference.
Although Dillon Gabriel, the rookie quarterback taken two rounds before Sanders back in April, was cleared to play this week after being in concussion protocol, Stefanski named Sanders the Browns’ starter.
Then, after a follow-up question about how Sanders’ relationship is with his head coach, he emphasized how little the outside perspective on his situation in Cleveland matters.
SHEDEUR SANDERS ‘GRATEFUL’ FOR TRUMP’S SUPPORT AMID WILD START TO NFL CAREER
“What people do outside the building is not really in my control,” he replied. “It’s not in my power. So I don’t—you’re acting like I’m going out there and telling them to do whatever. You know, it’s not something I control or anything I can do.
“Overall, I’m just happy to be here. Coach Stefanski has been coaching since I got here and he’s done a great job with everything that’s going on.”
Sanders added that his relationship with Stefanski is “absolutely like a coach,” which involves telling him “what to do, on and off the court.”
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski instructs Shedeur Sanders #12 during rookie minicamp at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
“We’ve definitely grown — our relationship and everything has grown. So I’m just grateful to be here.”
Sanders became the first Browns rookie quarterback since 1999 to win his first career start in the 24-10 victory over the Raiders. He secured his first career touchdown pass thanks to the speed with which freshman Dylan Sampson sprinted through Las Vegas’ defense for a 66-yard catch-and-run score.
Sanders also showed strong accuracy, finding rookie receiver Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard strike that would have been his first touchdown if not for a tight tackle.
Sanders’ performance was a breath of fresh air for Cleveland fans, who saw the team’s third win of the season. Even President Donald Trump showed praise for the young signal caller.
“Shedeur Sanders was AWESOME. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great genes. I TOLD YOU!”
Bundle FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library plus live FOX News, Sports and Entertainment at the lowest price of the year. The offer ends on 4 January 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
Sanders acknowledged Trump’s support.
“I’m just thankful for him, even taking time out of his day to speak out and support,” he said, via 92.3 The Fan.
Sanders will face a tough San Francisco 49ers defense in his first career start at home in Cleveland.
