When Shedeur Sanders showed up to Browns rookie camp choosing No. 12, we were all quick to notice it wasn’t his usual No. 2 (and understandably so). However, Shedeur had an interesting tidbit on why he has No. 12.
On The Best Podcast Available, a Cleveland Browns offseason podcast, Sanders addressed the number switch as a subtle nod to his father Deion Sanders, who famously wore No. 21, by filpping the digits.
“You get the hint—any number gonna feel good, it’s about what I do in the number.”
It’s a quiet tribute that lets him honor his dad while stepping into his own NFL story.
Sanders could’ve pushed for No. 2, but that number already belongs to veteran WR DeAndre Carter. Instead of making headlines trying to reclaim it, Sanders embraced a new number with a new meaning. And in this city, they are still recovering from the Johnny Manziel era; steering clear of No. 2 is by far the wiser move.
The choice also came with obvious symbolism. We originally thought it was a nod to his relationship with Tom Brady, who trained him for years. He even reportedly told Browns reporters “my story is going to be similar to Brady’s," so the number fits.
More importantly, this shows Sanders' mindset heading into the league: respect the family legacy, but it's time to carve your own path.
No drama. Just business. Exactly what the Cleveland Browns need.
We like it. If all goes to plan, Browns fans will hopefully come to associate No. 12 with a new chapter of redemption in Cleveland.
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