Former NFL MVP Cam Newton had some strong words for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as he embarks on his professional career. Newton, who won the MVP award in 2015 with the Carolina Panthers, directed his advice towards Sanders, who was initially projected to be a first-round pick but ended up being drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns at the 144th overall pick.
Newton didn’t hold back on his podcast, ‘4th & 1,’ where he urged Sanders to change his approach as he transitions to the NFL. He emphasized the importance of leading with hard work rather than seeking attention or validation. Newton pointed out that Sanders seemed to have adopted a defensive back’s persona rather than that of a quarterback, reminding him that as a QB, he is the CEO of the franchise.
Sanders now finds himself in a challenging situation in Cleveland, competing with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and the injured Deshaun Watson. Despite the uphill battle Sanders faces, Newton expressed optimism about his potential in the Browns’ organization. Newton believes that the tough road ahead will ultimately benefit Sanders and sees him starting for the team at some point during the upcoming season.
Newton’s advice aligns with reports from NFL insiders who criticized Sanders for approaching team visits as recruiting trips rather than job interviews. One team executive highlighted Sanders’ decision to forgo hiring an agent as a critical mistake that left him unprepared for the evaluation process by NFL teams.
During the draft-day call with Browns general manager Andrew Berry, Sanders received words of encouragement and was urged to focus on the future rather than dwell on his draft position. Despite missing out on opportunities to showcase his skills at events like the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, Sanders remains determined to prove himself in the league.
As Sanders begins his NFL journey, he can draw inspiration from Newton’s words and use them as motivation to overcome the challenges ahead. With hard work and dedication, Sanders has the potential to make a significant impact in Cleveland and showcase his abilities on the field.
In conclusion, Shedeur Sanders faces a tough road ahead in the NFL, but with the guidance of veterans like Cam Newton and the support of the Cleveland Browns organization, he has the opportunity to prove himself and succeed at the highest level of football.
