Shedeur Sanders talks criticism: '99 percent' of hatred really toward father Deion

Shedeur Sanders is trying to set the record straight after a precipitous draft slide.

After a quiet initial day at Browns rookie minicamp on Friday, the former Colorado quarterback said Saturday that most of the hate he receives comes from an older generation, and that it's really directed toward his dad, Deion. Sanders believes people have preconceived notions about him because of his famous father. 

Shedeur fell all the way to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft after many analysts projected he would be a top-five pick. Nearly everything, from his physical limitations to character concerns to teams not wanting to be at the mercy of Deion, was brought up as a reason for his slide. Cleveland ultimately decided he was worth a selection as the draft wore on.

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The most polarizing draft prospect in decades joins a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland that includes Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted two rounds ahead of him. He's trying to rewrite the narrative surrounding him before that competition begins.

Here's what Shedeur Sanders said at Browns rookie minicamp on Saturday.

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• Comparing Browns rookie QB's Dillon Gabriel & Shedeur Sanders
• Reactions to Shedeur Sanders draft fall, from Trump to Stephen A.
• What we know about Shedeur Sanders' 'unprofessional' pre-draft interviews
• Shedeur Sanders' wild post-draft celebration

Shedeur Sanders talks hatred toward him, his father

Sanders spoke to reporters about his father at Browns rookie minicamp on Saturday. He said that most of the hatred that comes his way is a reflection of how people feel about his father.

"Ninety-nine percent of hatred is towards Pops," Sander said. "I'm just his son, so it really just comes from that and I told him that, too. ... It's the older generation that do it to me rather than the younger people because when I come in person, there's no negativity I see but it's all over online."

This was Sanders' first time speaking to the media as a member of the Browns, following the second day of minicamp. Yesterday saw Sanders and Gabriel take the field together for the first time as teammates, and each looked solid going through team drills. They are likely competing for a backup spot, with Joe Flacco set to begin the season as Cleveland's starter.

Gabriel also spoke to the media on Saturday and said that he's not going to let the increased scrutiny of him and Sanders "divide the team."

#Browns QB Dillon Gabriel on how he’ll handle he scrutiny and coverage of him and Shedeur Sanders: pic.twitter.com/AnOOzRmJIN