Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders impressed in his NFL debut on Friday night against the Carolina Panthers. Playing nearly three full quarters for the Cleveland Browns, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. His performance displayed the poise and accuracy that had led some draft analysts to believe he was worthy of a first-round selection.
Sanders Lightheartedly Confronts Reporter Over Perceived Negative Coverage After Strong Debut
After the game, Sanders encountered Cleveland-based reporter Tony Grossi in the tunnels of Bank of America Stadium. In a lighthearted yet direct exchange, Sanders called out Grossi for what he perceived as consistently negative coverage. “Tony, I be hoping you have something positive to say about me… You only say negative stuff about me,” Sanders remarked, smiling during the interaction.
Shedeur Sanders (NFL)Sanders pressed Grossi on why his reporting leaned negative, asking, “What I do? What’d I do to you, Tony?” The exchange, captured on video by Well Off Media, highlighted Sanders’ willingness to engage directly with members of the media, even in the immediate aftermath of a strong personal performance.
Sanders’ Confrontational Edge May Fuel Spotlight as NFL Career Progresses
This was not the first time Sanders has addressed perceived disrespect head-on. Back in 2024, while playing for the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders refused to shake hands with Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi after a 43-35 victory, another example of his readiness to confront those he feels have wronged him or his team.
If Sanders continues to deliver on the field as he did in his debut, he is likely to attract even more media scrutiny. His ability to combine strong performances with candid, public interactions ensures he will remain a prominent figure in NFL storylines for weeks, months, and possibly years to come.
