Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the NFL didn’t quite follow the script, but the well-wishes he’s received since draft day have been overwhelming enough to spill over into NBA ranks, too. Falling to the Fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the onetime Colorado Buffaloes quarterback is the subject of attention again, fielding good wishes from hoops stars and even drawing some lofty LeBron James comparisons courtesy of Cleveland sports royalty.
NBA Stars Rally Behind Sanders After Draft Fall
In the wake of his stunning drop out of the first round, a number of NBA players were quick to rally behind Sanders. Gridiron Heroics writes that the likes of Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell publicly defended Sanders, urging him to stay focused and driven.
Mitchell, a star for the Cleveland Cavaliers, had a particularly powerful message, tweeting, “Do ya thing, Killa”
in support. His words reflect the respect Sanders has earned across professional sports, not just for his on-field skills but for his competitiveness and resilience.
The outpouring of support demonstrates the crossover appeal that Sanders enjoys. Even though critics doubted his preparation for the pre-draft, other players recognized his potential and the pressures that young stars face when entering the spotlight.
Compared to LeBron’s Arrival in Cleveland
Adding to the buzz, Sanders’ move to Cleveland has drawn comparisons to another young phenom who changed the city’s sports landscape: LeBron James. As noted by Gridiron Heroics, some analysts believe Sanders could bring a similar level of rookie star power to the Browns that LeBron brought to the Cavaliers two decades ago.
Though the comparisons are not exact — LeBron was the first pick overall and an instant NBA superstar — Sanders has his own excitement factor. His status as the son of NFL great Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, his electric playmaking ability, and his outgoing personality have already juices flowing among Browns fans who crave a franchise quarterback to rally around.
Cleveland has been waiting for a long time for a football messiah. Sanders, with his charisma and work ethic, may be filling that very role, whether or not he envisioned it.
A Fresh Start and High Hopes
For Sanders, the draft slide can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Rather than lament what could have been, he now enters the NFL with a chip on his shoulder and plenty of motivation to prove others wrong. That he is mature enough to have regrets about the draft process is an indication of a young player learning quickly — a necessity for success at the next level.
The Browns, with their fanatical and devoted fan base, offer Sanders a fresh start and a gigantic stage. If he can make the adjustment to the pro game and continue to grow as a leader and a quarterback, he has the potential to usher in a new era of success in Cleveland.
Amidst NBA Stars in his corner, a city thirsting for a football hero, and the lessons of a grueling draft process, Shedeur Sanders’ NFL life is just beginning, and the spotlight has never been brighter.
Related: 10 Ways LeBron James Has Changed the Game, Inside and Out
