Shedeur Sanders may be in the NFL now, but his personality is still prime-time entertainment.
At the recent NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback reunited with a close friend and fellow quarterback, Cam Ward—now the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. The two have trained together and were all smiles during the jersey unveiling portion of the event.
That’s when Ward asked Shedeur for a jersey swap.
Sanders didn’t hesitate to give him a playful rejection—“I gotta sell it, I gotta have some type of money,” he said while streaming live on Twitch. “I’m already down.”
The moment drew laughter from all of us online, but also pointed to something more serious. Sanders’ comment likely referred to the financial difference between his expected draft position and where he was actually selected.
Sanders being picked in the fifth round, has a contract estimated at around $4.65 million over four years, according to Spotrac. That’s far below the nearly $50 million contract Ward is expected to sign with Tennessee.
Shedeur’s situation heading into the NFL is unique. He brings a huge following from Colorado, carried the highest NIL earnings while in college, and played under a national spotlight thanks to his dad’s high profile in Boulder. Despite all that, he finds himself in a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland.
Sanders will wear No. 12 with the Browns, flipping his longtime No. 2. Ward will wear No. 1 in Tennessee—a number he received permission to use from Hall of Famer Warren Moon.
December 7 Circle-It Date?
Sanders and Ward could see each other again on December 7, when the Browns host the Titans in the regular season. If both make their way up their respective depth charts, that game could feature an unexpected reunion under center.
Whether or not that matchup happens, fans will likely get to see Sanders early. The Browns’ first preseason game is set for August 8 against the Carolina Panthers, who drafted another former Buff—Jimmy Horn Jr.
With both Sanders and Gabriel expected to see early reps, it will be the first real chance for Cleveland fans—and Buffs Nation—to see how Shedeur stacks up in the NFL.
Sanders’ joke was classic Shedeur—fun, candid, and full of personality. But make no mistake: he’s fully aware of the challenge ahead.
The NFL journey will test him in new ways. Gone are the Colorado headlines and NIL checks. Now it’s about making the roster, competing with veterans, and proving he belongs in the league.
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