Shedeur Sanders’ Unorthodox Practice Habits Fuel Controversy Among NFL Fans
Shedeur Sanders’ practice location was questioned by several fans.
The Cleveland Browns are coming off of a 34-10 road loss to the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions at Ford Field in downtown Detroit, a game that saw starting quarterback
The Browns’ offense scored seven points in the first quarter as they played Dan Campbell’s team to a draw before scoring just three points the rest of the way in the Motor City.
Following the loss, video of Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders throwing at a nearby Division-III university surfaced on social media.
Sanders’ unorthodox practice schedule and location caused fans to react in a wide variety of ways as they questioned the former Colorado star’s decision.
Sanders Heads to Local University
Sanders was shown getting work in at Cleveland area Baldwin Wallace University, training with BW players and his personal coach.
The university is in close proximity to the Browns’ training facility and caused an uproar on social media as comments were shared by the X account
“The Browns rookie QB wants to be successful SO BAD,’ the account wrote with a rosy cheeked, yellow face emoji.
Fans React to Sanders’ Unique Habits
Fans reacted with a wide range of emotions in the comments section.
Many did not take a liking to the Browns QB’s unique practice habits and location.
“NFL facilities are 24/7,” one fan said. “If he’s going to an open field during his time off, it’s because the media can come watch and write dumb tweets like this,”
“He wanted to be near kids with similar athletic ability,” another said as they roasted Sanders. “He found them.”
“How can you say he is working harder than every QB?” another person said. “Are you watching what every other QB does?”
Another took aim at former Jets coach Rex Ryan who shared his critical thoughts on Sanders recently.
Payton Fires Back at Critics: Tush Push Is “Safest Play in Football”
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton backs the Tush Push as a technique-driven play ahead of the Week 5 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Denver Broncos enter Week 5 riding momentum after a decisive 28-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. With a road trip to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles ahead, head coach Sean Payton addressed one of the NFL’s most polarizing plays, offering a blunt explanation for his support of the Tush Push.
Payton discussed the matter with Andrew Mason of Orange and Blue Today on Tuesday.
“Yeah, listen I was one that stood up in favor of it. The reason I stood up in favor of is pretty simple. If the powers to be, don’t want it for aesthetic reasons or competitive reasons or it’s hard to officiate, etc. But I’ve been involved in those meetings for a long time and when all of sudden health and safety was pulled into that which might be the safest play in football, my bullsh** nose kind of went up. And so, look at the quarterback sneak and I think credit Philadelphia… they scored a touchdown last week. Take a peak at this past week’s touchdown off the Tush Push look, and it was a sweep to the left.”
Sean Payton backs Tush Push as Broncos prepare for Week 5 clash vs. Eagles
He expanded on why the formation remains viable when executed cleanly.
“So, I’m one that looks at it – as long as the line of scrimmage is clean, that it’s a well run quarterback sneak. And when you really evaluate it, it’s more the technique of the sneak than the push. So, you go all the way back to Green Bay against Dallas in the Ice Bowl, and frickin’ Bart Starr crosses the goal line with someone pushing a little behind him. So, I was one that was in favor of leaving it alone on Philly’s side.”
The Tush Push, popularized by the Eagles, has drawn both praise and criticism across the league. Supporters cite its efficiency in short-yardage situations, while opponents argue the rule legalizing pushing the ball carrier in 2005 has tilted competitive balance.
For Payton, the emphasis remains on execution. He framed the play as a version of the quarterback sneak that rewards preparation and fundamentals rather than gimmickry.
The Broncos, now 2-2, will test that philosophy when they travel to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the unbeaten Eagles (4-0) on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
