Hall of Fame QB Shares Expectations for Shedeur Sanders in 1st Browns Start
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner has high expectations for Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders ahead of his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Sanders made his NFL debut last week in relief of Dillon Gabriel, who was in concussion protocol. With Gabriel still in concussion protocol, Sanders will get the start on Sunday against the Raiders.
Heading into his first NFL start, Warner said he expects Sanders to play well as he likes the tape, even in his struggles last week.
“I expect him to play well,” Warner said on NFL GameDay Morning on Sunday. “I never like putting that pressure on the guy in his first start that he has to ball out. But I expect him to play well. I’ve seen him play, whether that was at Colorado or in the preseason.
“Or even last week, I thought his presence was there. I thought what he was seeing on the field was there. Outside of that one interception. If they can build him around what he does well and what he’s comfortable with, that is exactly what you want.”
It’s high praise from a Hall of Famer to the Browns‘ rookie quarterback, as he believes Sanders will have success against the Raiders on Sunday. Warner believes Sanders has all the tools to have a successful start, which he expects will happen.
Sanders is Only Focusing on This Start
Although Sanders is getting his chance to start, he isn’t thinking about the future.
Instead, the Browns’ rookie said he’s taking it one game at a time and isn’t worried about remaining the starter with a good performance.
“I don’t think too much into that, you know, like, I think in the moment present, today,” Sanders said on Wednesday. “I go over the game plan and make sure I execute that. When you start moving too fast in life sometimes, you miss the small details of things. So, I never want to overlook anything.”
Sanders said he’s not overlooking anything as he’s just focused on having a good game against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
However, Sanders knows he will have his hands full against the Raiders’ defense on Sunday.
“The same how I always am,” Sanders said. “Knowing exactly where everybody’s going to be, prepare, understand that they have a great defense, they’re coached by a great coach, and they have great players on that side of the ball. So just doing what I can to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, to make sure I’m my best self.”
Browns Coach Praises Sanders Week of Practice
Sanders got all the first-team reps this week for the Browns, and he apparently did well.
With Gabriel out, Sanders got his first practice reps with the first-team, and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said the rookie did well.
“He did a good job,” Stefanski said on Friday. “Obviously, for young players, young quarterbacks, you name it, the work week is structured, so that it’s a buildup, if you will. So, every single day you’re looking to learn. Soak it all in. Go perform, learn again. And I think he’s handled the week really well.”
The Browns are three-point underdogs on Sunday.
SHOCK NFL: Elon Musk Declares He Is a Dallas Cowboys Fan, Will Use "Any Means Necessary" to Help Them Win the 2025 Super Bowl
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, tech mogul Elon Musk declared he is officially a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his bold ventures in everything from electric cars to space travel, Musk shocked both the tech and sports worlds when he pledged to use “any means necessary” to help the Cowboys capture the 2025 Super Bowl.
The revelation came during a live interview at a business summit in Los Angeles. When asked about his thoughts on American football, Musk casually dropped the bombshell: “I’ve been a Cowboys fan for years, but this season I’ll do whatever it takes—by any means necessary—to help them win the Super Bowl.”
The statement instantly lit up social media, as Cowboys fans, one of the NFL's most passionate and diehard fanbases, flooded X (formerly Twitter) with memes, jokes, and pure excitement. Fans joked about Musk potentially designing rocket-powered footballs or giving Dak Prescott a high-tech, AI-driven quarterback suit. “If Elon Musk is backing the Cowboys, the Super Bowl is practically in the bag,” one fan tweeted.
While the news electrified Cowboys Nation, many critics were quick to express skepticism. NFL insiders were quick to point out that the league’s rules prohibit financial interference or technological advantages that could tilt the playing field. Still, Musk’s reputation for innovation left many wondering what legal, yet unconventional, tactics he might employ to support the Cowboys. Could he invest in futuristic training technology, fund massive fan engagement campaigns, or even introduce innovative performance technologies within league rules?
Head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about Musk’s comments during a press conference. With his usual composed demeanor, McCarthy said, “We appreciate all our fans, no matter who they are. The Dallas Cowboys are focused on building a strong, disciplined team. If Mr. Musk supports us, we welcome it, but our focus is on football.” His measured response left the door open for speculation but made it clear that the Cowboys’ priorities remain grounded on the field.
Quarterback Dak Prescott chimed in with a lighthearted comment, saying, “If Elon Musk wants to put rocket boosters on my cleats, I’m all for it. But we’ll win this Super Bowl the Cowboys way—through hard work, toughness, and relentless drive.”
Analysts believe Musk’s declaration may have more impact off the field than on it. His words have thrust the Cowboys into the global spotlight, dramatically increasing their visibility and attracting new fans from around the world. Merchandise sales are reportedly through the roof, and ticket demand for Cowboys games is higher than ever.
Whether Musk’s involvement remains symbolic or turns into something more tangible, one thing is for certain: the 2025 NFL season just became a lot more intriguing. The thought of one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs aligning with a franchise like the Dallas Cowboys has captivated the attention of fans and critics alike.
For now, Cowboys Nation is buzzing with excitement, driven by Musk’s unexpected endorsement and their own fierce belief in their team. And if the Dallas Cowboys end up lifting the Lombardi Trophy next February, fans may just look back and thank Elon Musk for being their most unlikely supporter.
