Coach Prime’s Surprise Absence Sparks Conversation
NFL legend Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders had fans talking when he skipped his son’s training camp with the Cleveland Browns. His son, Shedeur Sanders, had just been drafted by Cleveland as the No. 144 pick, despite many projecting him as a potential first-rounder.
While Sanders was present at Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp to support his other son Shilo, he chose to honor Shedeur’s request not to attend Browns camp just yet. “He didn’t want me to come. He’s like, ‘Dad, I’m gonna get three to four reps of practice. I don’t want you to see that,’” Prime explained.
It’s been a whirlwind for Shedeur, missing out on early-round selections, battling for reps at Browns camp, and dealing with off-field scrutiny after two speeding tickets. Still, Coach Prime was proud. “He’s dealing with it like a pro… he ain’t mad, he ain’t bitter,” said Michael Irvin, praising the young QB’s mindset.
Read More: Browns’ GM Warn Shedeur Sanders After Incidents During Camp
Shedeur Sanders Takes the High Road Amid Rookie Setbacks
Despite being low on the Browns’ quarterback depth chart behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur hasn’t lost focus. “It doesn’t make me feel down… I know who I am,” Shedeur said when asked about getting few reps in training camp.
“When preseason comes, watch me work,” – Coach Prime says Shedeur Sanders told him not to come see him at Browns training camp. pic.twitter.com/cg6QsYcRmg
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 28, 2025
Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted the rookie’s patience and work ethic: “He’s working hard and keeping his head down.” Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, a former teammate of Coach Prime highlighted Shedeur’s growth in play-calling and technique, particularly under center, something he didn’t do much at Jackson State or Colorado.
While Shedeur is waiting for preseason to prove himself, he remains determined. “They’re gonna have to let me play preseason… come watch me work,” he told his dad.
With his attitude, resilience, and support from Coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders may just silence the doubters sooner than expected.
Read More: Shedeur Sanders Faces Uphill Battle in Browns’ QB Competition