Why Johnny Manziel thinks Shedeur Sanders is destined for success in the NFL
It’s not every day that a former first-round pick gives the nod of approval to a new quarterback stepping into the NFL limelight, but Johnny Manziel—the Cleveland Browns’ headline rookie from 2014—knows a thing or two about what it takes to shine (and survive) under the spotlight. So when asked about Shedeur Sanders, the new Browns QB who’s turning heads despite the scrutiny, Manziel didn’t hesitate to share why he thinks Sanders is set for a breakout NFL career.
A Rocky Road to the NFL
Shedeur Sanders hasn’t had the smoothest path to the big league. After facing heavy scrutiny in the lead-up to the NFL draft, concerns over how he managed the pre-draft process led to his stock plummeting. Once considered an early favorite, Sanders ultimately fell to the fifth round, snagged by the Cleveland Browns. Despite this, he made an emphatic preseason debut, throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns while completing 14 of 23 passes in a win over the Panthers on August 8, 2025.
Manziel’s Vote of Confidence
Having navigated the intense pressure of being a Browns rookie himself, Johnny Manziel recognized some familiar patterns. In an interview with USA Today, Manziel said Sanders is “well prepared for the moment” and praised his readiness for the stage, both mentally and physically. “He is going to be different than a lot of guys that you’re going to see around the league,” Manziel noted. “I think he’s done the right thing every step of the way. At the same time, you want to continue to be yourself. You don’t want to change what’s made you great and something that’s ingrained in your DNA.”
Expert Opinions and Family Legacy
Sanders benefits from a football-savvy pedigree. His father, the legendary Deion Sanders, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer—a fact Manziel says shapes much of Shedeur’s approach to the game. According to Manziel, “He beats to his own drum,” hinting at the quarterback’s unique mindset and determination. These traits are exactly what some experts argue can help him withstand the pressure that most young quarterbacks buckle under.
Bumps in the Road
Not everything has gone perfectly for the rookie—this week, Sanders suffered an oblique strain during a joint practice with the Eagles, leaving him day-to-day and unlikely to participate in Cleveland’s next preseason contest. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the need to handle Sanders’ recovery “smartly,” noting, “He’s a thrower — you can’t push that thing.” Athletes and analysts alike agree that a careful approach now may pay off with long-term durability.
Diverse Perspectives on Sanders’ Potential
Around the league, reaction to Sanders’ early showing has ranged from cautious optimism to genuine excitement. Some league insiders point to his strong arm and ability to manage preseason nerves, while others suggest that his initial struggles leading up to the draft could serve as motivation to prove doubters wrong. For more insights on how rookies are stacking up this year, check out the latest NFL power rankings.
Sanders’ ability to be himself is drawing comparisons to other star athletes who have thrived by sticking to their roots. Speaking of unique mindsets and high basketball IQs, the sports world is watching to see if Sanders’ mentality can match that of NBA leaders—see more on that here.
Looking Forward
If you ask Manziel, the future looks bright for the Browns’ newcomer. Between his family background, his resolve, and his early flashes of brilliance, Sanders seems poised to break the mold and define his own legacy. Whether or not he follows the path of other successful second-generation pro athletes remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: he’s got the right support, both from former players and from within the Browns organization.
As the preseason rolls on and Sanders works back from his minor setback, all eyes will be on him to see if he can turn early promise into consistent, long-term success. For more coverage on the evolving relationship between the NFL and other major sports networks, read up here.
Source: nypost.com