FANTASTIC: Shedeur Sanders Earns High Praise from Browns Legend Hanford Dixon—“He’ll Be Our Starter This Season”
Cleveland Browns legend Hanford Dixon had high praise for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders this week, making a bold prediction about the young signal-caller’s future in Cleveland. Speaking during a local radio appearance, Dixon didn’t hold back his optimism.
“Somewhere between the middle of the season, this kid is gonna be our starting quarterback,” Dixon said. “He’s got everything you want. The arm talent, the poise, and the work ethic. I see him competing at the same level as anybody in that room.”
Dixon, a Browns Ring of Honor member and one of the most respected defensive backs in franchise history, said he’s been keeping a close eye on Sanders since his transfer to Colorado and was impressed by his performance in college. He praised Sanders’ ability to stay calm under pressure and his reputation as a film-room junkie.
“The thing about Shedeur is he’s not rattled,” Dixon said. “He’s been in big games. He’s had the target on his back, and he just plays. He doesn’t run from the moment. That’s the kind of quarterback this city loves.”
Sanders was selected by Cleveland amid questions about the long-term plan at quarterback. The team has significant money tied up in Deshaun Watson, but concerns about Watson’s consistency and health have some in the organization privately acknowledging the need for a succession plan.
Although head coach Kevin Stefanski has insisted Watson remains the clear starter going into camp, there’s growing buzz about the rookie’s potential. Sanders’ advanced football IQ and polished mechanics have reportedly impressed the Browns’ staff during early workouts.
Still, most analysts expect Sanders to start the year as the backup. Dixon’s prediction suggests he believes Watson could struggle, or the team might choose to pivot to the younger, cheaper option if the season gets off to a rocky start.
“I’m telling you right now—fans need to get ready,” Dixon said. “You’ll see him out there before the year’s over, and he’ll look like he belongs.”
Sanders, for his part, has kept his focus on learning the playbook and earning the trust of his new teammates. He’s spoken about wanting to compete hard and prove himself, saying he welcomes the chance to push the veterans and raise the standard in the quarterback room.
For Browns fans hungry for hope at the game’s most important position, Dixon’s endorsement is a tantalizing sign that Shedeur Sanders just might be the future in Cleveland.
