After weeks of waiting, Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders finally got his opportunity. Following an injury to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, Sanders was pressed into action during the Browns’ Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Sanders’ father, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, wasn’t at the game to see his son get his first regular-season NFL snaps. Instead, Deion was at a coaching clinic Sunday.
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But we do know how Deion reacted upon hearing Shedeur was entering the game. While doing a Q&A at the clinic Sunday, Deion revealed he was crying tears of joy when he was informed Shedeur was finally getting snaps.
Deion said his son Deion Jr. called to inform the coach that Shedeur was coming into the game. Deion said he was in tears on the phone, according to TMZ.
“I was in tears. [Deion Jr.] called me screaming,” Sanders said. “‘Man, I’m crying right now. Leave me alone, leave me alone, leave me alone.'”
Shedeur’s first taste of a regular-season NFL game didn’t go so well. The rookie completed just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and no touchdowns. He threw an interception and fumbled in the contest, which the Browns ended up losing 23-16.
Cleveland actually had a 16-10 lead when Shedeur entered the game. But the team couldn’t hold it the rest of the way. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens rallied in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points to pick up the win.
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Shedeur and the Browns had a shot to tie things up with just over two minutes to play, but could not convert a fourth down with 1:02 left, essentially ending the game.
Despite Shedeur’s struggles, he said after the game that he was confident the Browns were going to tie things up at the end.
Sheduer didn’t shy away from his numbers after the loss, telling reporters, “I don’t think I played good at all.”
After sustaining a concussion in Week 11, Gabriel’s status is unknown moving forward. That could lead to Shedeur receiving more playing time, and maybe even starting against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.
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Following his rough debut, Shedeur will have plenty to work on leading up to Sunday’s game. Having a full week to prepare as the team’s starter would likely benefit Shedeur … and potentially ensure Deion is in attendance the next time his son takes the field.