Deion Sanders wanted more from his son, Shedeur Sanders, but backs development plan after Myles Garrett trade

Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas shared his confidence in rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has settled in after a tumultuous start to his career.

The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL's more crowded quarterback rooms.

Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Sanders’ stunning slide to the fifth round of the 2025 draft set the stage for him becoming one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory.

Few know Shedeur's game better than Deion Sanders, his father and former college coach. On Wednesday, the two-time Super Bowl champion reflected on his son’s rookie season.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws a pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. during the first half of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland, Ohio, on Dec. 21, 2025. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)

After Shedeur endured an uneven rookie season for the 5-12 Browns, the Colorado football coach said he hoped for more from his son but also pointed to the support young quarterbacks need early in their development.

"I would have wanted him to perform a little better, but that's not just an individual thing, that's a team thing," Sanders told Covers while speaking on behalf of his partnership with Depend.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders greets his dad Deion Sanders before an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland on Dec. 21, 2025. (Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)

"A quarterback needs help tremendously from the offensive line, from the receivers, from the running game, from the coordinators as well. "It's not just a singular thing,