Shedeur Sanders discusses community on Browns podcast: 'Important for my own happiness'
Despite his draft slide, Shedeur Sanders has remained front and center.
The quarterback could've shied away from the spotlight after falling all the way to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, but that hasn't happened yet. Sanders has been forward-facing during his early days as a Cleveland Browns quarterback.
Some mock drafts might've had Sanders as an early first-round pick, but for a host of reasons, the a Day 1 or 2 pick wasn't worth the price of admission for the passer. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Sanders is out in the community and soaking up everything that comes with the opportunity.
Whether it was getting in a workout with high school kids or speaking with students at another, Sanders is finding the time to connect with the surrounding area.
During an appearance on the latest episode of the Browns "Best Podcast Available," Sanders spoke on how important that is for him.
"It's important for my own happiness," Sanders said of connecting with the community. "It makes me happy because I'm able to connect with people, connect with human beings. ... If you live in a world of social media, you are gonna think very negatively, and this for all athletes. You'll think very negatively about yourself or you'll feel too high up. Because that's how media is. You either gonna be high up or they're gonna tear you down. One of the two, no in between."
Sanders pointed out that he doesn't pay attention to what happens online.
"I focus on real life," Sanders said. "I've never seen hate in real life, by fans and people spectating that I've met. So hate only exists online."
When asked how he deals with the hate, the quarterback said he's accustomed to it.
"I don't know what people think of me," Sanders said in response to a question about the biggest misconception about him.
For now, he's just focused about controlling what he can on the field and, as he puts it, proving himself right. That begins with making an impact in a crowded Browns quarterback room.