Shedeur Sanders celebrated his first NFL victory as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback in Week 12. The rookie led the Browns to a 24-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. His performance included 209 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception.
However, controversial analyst Jason Whitlock wasn’t impressed with how Sanders acted after the historic debut victory at all.
Jason Whitlock criticizes Shedeur Sanders’ postgame behavior after rookie’s first NFL win
Sanders became the first Browns quarterback to win his debut start since 1995. Cleveland hadn’t won with a first-time starter since before the franchise was reestablished in 1999. The 22-year-old made history while completing 11 of 20 passes with an 87.3 QBR.
Whitlock claimed Sanders displayed “entitlement run amok” and “clownish behavior” following the victory. The analyst had previously criticized Sanders during the preseason and after earlier appearances. He compared Sanders’ celebration to that of his father, Deion, during the 2023 season opener with Colorado.
“Shedeur Sanders mimicked the exact same behavior his father demonstrated after Colorado beat TCU three years ago. Prime Sexuals minicked the exact same behavior they showed after Colorado beat TCU three years ago. When you don’t learn from history, you repeat it,” said Whitlock.
Shedeur Sanders mimicked the exact same behavior his father demonstrated after Colorado beat TCU three years ago. Prime Sexuals mimicked the exact same behavior they showed after Colorado beat TCU three years ago.
When you don’t learn from history, you repeat it.
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) November 24, 2025
The Colorado Buffaloes started their 2025 season with a win over TCU. Whitlock suggested Sanders’ postgame demeanor reminded him of that premature celebration. He believes the rookie acted inappropriately, given his limited NFL experience so far.
On his podcast, Whitlock made harsh comments about Deion Sanders’ parenting style. He said Deion’s parenting resulted in a “juvenile” son who doesn’t know how to act. Whitlock claimed Sanders doesn’t understand how to behave like a backup quarterback properly.
“I want him to flop because I think his success would send a horrible message to young kids that arrogance, radical materialism, bravado, entitlement, playing the victim card is all a good thing,” Whitlock said on his podcast.
The analyst accused Shedeur Sanders of believing he is already a superstar. He thinks the rookie’s attitude doesn’t yet match his actual NFL accomplishments. Whitlock’s criticism focused more on Sanders’ personality than his actual on-field performance.
Sanders had taken over as the starter after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion earlier. The Browns entered the game with a dismal 2-8 record. Cleveland desperately needed any kind of spark to salvage their disappointing season.
Some veterans on the team praised Sanders’ performance despite Whitlock’s harsh assessment. Myles Garrett was impressed with Sanders’ play during the victory over Las Vegas. Garrett specifically praised a 52-yard throw that showcased the rookie’s arm strength.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski subsequently named Sanders the starter for Week 13. The Browns will face the San Francisco 49ers in their next matchup. Stefanski cited the goal of “improvement” for the young quarterback moving forward.
Sanders’ statistics showed promise despite being his first career NFL start. His 87.3 QBR ranked respectably for a debut performance under pressure. The touchdown pass and solid completion percentage balanced the one interception.
The win improved Cleveland’s record to 3 wins and 8 losses overall. Sanders now gets another opportunity to prove himself against tougher competition. His response to Whitlock’s criticism will likely come through his performance on the field.
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