On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time, Shedeur Sanders, the 23-year-old fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, delivered a performance that rewrote franchise history. Leading the Browns to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sanders became the first Browns quarterback since Eric Zeier in 1995 to win his first career start—and the first since the team’s 1999 relaunch, breaking a 0-17 streak that had haunted Cleveland’s QBs for nearly three decades.
A Franchise Turning Point
The win wasn’t just a surprise—it was a revelation. Sanders wasn’t supposed to be starting. Rookie Dillon Gabriel, the Browns’ third-round pick, had opened the season as the starter. But after suffering a concussion in Week 11’s 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, he was sidelined. That’s when Shedeur Sanders got his chance. He’d entered the game briefly in Week 11, completing 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and one interception. No one expected fireworks.
But on Sunday, he delivered. A 42-yard bomb to rookie wideout Isaiah Bond in the second quarter set up Cleveland’s second touchdown. His poise under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter with the Raiders threatening to cut the lead to one score, was beyond his years. He finished 21-of-29 for 223 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The defense held Las Vegas to just 278 total yards. The crowd at Allegiant Stadium, mostly Raiders fans, fell silent. In Cleveland, fans erupted.
Fan Pressure and Skepticism
This moment didn’t come out of nowhere—it came after months of frustration. For weeks, Browns fans had been demanding Sanders be given the keys to the offense. Social media exploded. Local radio hosts like Joey O'Donoghue of Browns Report fielded nonstop calls. Even former Browns legend Bernie Kosar weighed in on November 6, 2025, saying: “I like I’d like to see Shadore. I want to see him. You will see him, but we tend to massively ruin young men when they play prematurely, void of talent.”
Kosar’s words stung. They were a warning. But the Browns’ front office, led by General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, had been quietly studying Sanders’ college tape. His 2024 stats—74% completion rate, 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns—were too good to ignore. He’d played in the high-pressure SEC at Colorado, then transferred to Jackson State, where he led the Tigers to a 10-2 record. He didn’t just have arm talent—he had ice in his veins.
The Decision That Changed Everything
Coach Stefanski made the official announcement on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. “Dillon is still in the concussion protocol,” he said simply. No fanfare. No press conference theatrics. Just facts. Sanders, asked about the start, responded with quiet confidence: “It’ll be definitely excited. We’re going out there with a purpose, going out there mentally ready, no distractions, no anything, and I’ll be excited.”
That night, he watched film until 2 a.m. He texted his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders, who replied: “Don’t play for them. Play for you.”
The next day, he arrived at the facility before sunrise. He didn’t talk to reporters. He didn’t post on social media. He just worked. And when the game started, he looked like he’d been doing this his whole life.
What Comes Next?
Now, the Browns face a dilemma. Gabriel is expected to clear concussion protocol by Week 13. But Sanders just broke a 28-year curse. Should he be benched? The team hasn’t said. Stefanski refused to confirm anything after the game: “I’m not going to get into that.”
Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury since August, is now practicing fully. Joe Flacco, the 39-year-old veteran, remains on the roster as a mentor. The Browns now have four quarterbacks under contract—all with different paths, all with different futures.
What’s clear is this: the Browns’ quarterback era has changed. Sanders didn’t just win a game—he changed the culture. For the first time in decades, Browns fans believe. Not because of a flashy draft pick. Not because of a marketing campaign. But because a kid from Jackson State stepped onto a field in Las Vegas and refused to lose.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of the 2025 Schedule
The Browns’ remaining schedule is brutal. After a Week 13 showdown with the San Francisco 49ers on November 30, they face the Tennessee Titans (Dec. 7), then travel to Chicago to face the Bears on December 14. Home games against the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers follow, before a season finale at the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026.
Every game from here on out will be scrutinized. Is Sanders a flash in the pan? Or the real deal? The answer might come sooner than anyone thinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Shedeur Sanders’ college performance compare to other NFL rookies?
Sanders’ 2024 college stats—74% completion rate, 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns—ranked among the top five nationally for FBS quarterbacks. His 8.7 yards per attempt and 4.3% drop rate were elite, especially compared to other 2025 draft picks. Only two rookies in the last decade entered the NFL with higher efficiency metrics in their final college season: Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. Sanders’ ability to throw deep with accuracy (8.1 average depth of target) made him a rare fit for modern NFL offenses.
Why did it take so long for the Browns to start Sanders?
The Browns prioritized veteran stability after years of QB instability. With Gabriel drafted in the third round and Pickett recovering from injury, management feared rushing Sanders could repeat past mistakes—like the premature starts of Brandon Weeden or Cody Kessler. Even after Sanders’ strong preseason, Stefanski stuck with Gabriel to avoid narrative pressure. It wasn’t until Gabriel’s concussion forced their hand that the decision was made, and even then, it was met with skepticism from analysts and fans alike.
What’s the significance of breaking the 0-17 first-start streak?
Since the Browns’ 1999 relaunch, no starting quarterback had won his debut. The streak included names like Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, and even high draft picks like Johnny Manziel. The 0-17 record became a symbol of organizational dysfunction and poor QB development. Sanders’ win didn’t just end a number—it ended a psychological burden for players, coaches, and fans who had spent decades waiting for a sign of hope.
Could Sanders keep the starting job if Dillon Gabriel returns healthy?
Absolutely. NFL history shows that once a rookie earns a win as a starter, especially under pressure, coaches rarely bench them unless injured. Think of Patrick Mahomes in 2018 or Lamar Jackson in 2019. Stefanski’s reluctance to confirm anything suggests he’s already leaning toward keeping Sanders. With Gabriel’s concussion history and Sanders’ poise, the Browns may have found their long-term answer—even if it wasn’t the plan.
How does this affect the Browns’ playoff chances?
The Browns are now 6-5 and sit just one game out of the AFC North lead. With Sanders’ confidence and the defense playing at a high level, they’re legitimate wild-card contenders. Their remaining schedule includes three divisional games (Steelers, Bengals, Ravens) and two against playoff-caliber teams (49ers, Bills). If Sanders maintains his composure, Cleveland could be playing in January for the first time since 2020.
What role does Deion Sanders play in Shedeur’s development?
Deion Sanders, a Hall of Famer and current head coach at Colorado, has been a quiet but constant presence. He doesn’t attend games or give interviews about his son’s NFL journey. But he’s been on the phone every night after practice, asking questions about film, opponents, and mental preparation. His philosophy? “Let him lead. Don’t let the noise lead him.” That mindset may be the biggest reason Shedeur stayed calm under the spotlight in Las Vegas.
