Long before he became a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders was one of the kids attending football camps. Now, the former Colorado star is creating those same memories for the next generation.
Speaking during his inaugural 2Legendary Camp in Brooklyn, Ohio, Sanders spent as much time talking about the importance of giving back as he did football. While hundreds of young athletes came to learn from the former Buffaloes quarterback, Sanders said the event was about much more than drills and competition.
“It’s an amazing day,” Sanders said. “Look at the sky. You hear the music. Look at the merch everybody has on. Look at the teamwork that it took for us to all come here and be able to get this done. I’m truly happy. I’m truly amazed by it.”
Shedeur Sanders wants to inspire the next generation.
One of the biggest moments of the day came when Sanders was asked about the excitement from campers who rushed toward him.
Rather than focusing on his own popularity, Sanders pointed to the impact athletes can have simply by showing up.
“I’m a superhero in my world anyway,” Sanders said sarcastically with a smile. “Overall, I’m truly excited that they feel excited to see me.”
He added that professional athletes don’t always get opportunities to interact with fans on a personal level.
“Usually as athletes we’re isolated more,” Sanders said. “It’s about giving in the community and just seeing everybody and seeing the inspiration that we give just by showing up. It’s a very simple task. So I truly appreciate it.”
That mindset has been evident throughout Sanders’ first offseason in Cleveland, where he has frequently appeared at community events and youth programs.
“The people that kept me going, that supported me, I’d be a fool not to give back to those that gave to me when I most needed it,” Sanders said.
Former Colorado quarterback remembers attending camps as a kid.
Sanders also reflected on attending football camps growing up, experiences that have shaped how he approaches events like the 2Legendary Camp today.
“I remember going to a lot of these camps, but my dad really ran everything,” Sanders said.
Now, after organizing one himself, Sanders has gained a new appreciation for what parents, coaches and volunteers invest behind the scenes.
“Now I understand how hard it was for my parents to do all this,” Sanders said. “They had a youth league team that had thousands of kids in it.”
He explained that coordinating so many children and families is far more challenging than most people realize.
“Getting all these different personalities, parents and everything on the same page is truly draining,” Sanders said. “It’s a lot.”
Because of that experience, Sanders said he has developed a deeper appreciation for everyone who dedicates their time to youth sports.
“I respect everybody that has teams, foundations and all these different things where you’ve got to get everybody together at the same time,” Sanders said. “It’s truly hard, but I appreciate it.”
Even after a successful first camp, Sanders admitted his mind immediately shifted toward making the next one even better.
“I find fulfillment doing it,” Sanders said. “Then I’m already thinking, ‘What’s next? How can we improve this one?’”
Whether it involves adding more activities or simply making sure there are enough trash cans around the field, Sanders said every detail matters because he wants each camp to leave a lasting impression.
“This was just the first one,” Sanders said. “It’s an amazing start. Everybody’s healthy, the gear looks good and everybody’s out here smiling. That’s what it’s about.”
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