The football community thinks Kevin Stefanski likely has some issue with Shedeur Sanders, even though he became the first Browns rookie QB to win in his debut since 1995. Stefanski said he valued the win, but Myles Garrett deserved to win the game ball.
The decision didn’t sit well with some former NFL stars. Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco ripped the coach on their podcast. Reports have circulated throughout the year about Stefanski allegedly trying to “sabotage” Sanders’ career.
And now, the game ball snub has only added to the speculation surrounding that conflicting narrative. However, on Wednesday, Stefanski finally addressed the controversy during media availability.
Stefanski Clarifies Reason Behind Shedeur Sanders’ Game Ball Snub
Sanders helped the Browns end their three-game losing streak in Week 12 against the Raiders, completing 11 of 20 passing attempts for 209 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
Quite frankly, though, the Raiders were not a great team this season, but Sanders deserved recognition, as he delivered what the Browns’ passing game desperately needed all season.
Yet when HC handed out recognition after the game, Sanders got a quick “nice job,” while others received extended praise. The lone game ball went to DE Garrett, who notched a total of three sacks and five tackles. Sanders fans didn’t like the snub.
“You got into it, trying to just highlight guys,” Stefanski explained during Wednesday’s presser. “You know, Myles got the game ball. I thought it was pretty worthy. But you’re just trying to constantly recognize your guys.”
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on why he didn’t give Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel game balls after their victories: pic.twitter.com/USpiT9DQoU
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 26, 2025
Saying Garrett’s performance was “pretty worthy” suggested Sanders’ wasn’t worthy enough. However, Stefanski clarified that he wanted to acknowledge multiple contributors rather than focus solely on the most important QB position.
“We spent time this morning, as well, pointing out all of our guys and the jobs they did,” Stefanski continued. “Pointed out Gage having a big punt return, that was huge for our team. The D-line doesn’t get 10 sacks unless the coverage is really good. Obviously, a rookie starting his first game on the road and getting a win is huge, so you acknowledge all that with them.”
Still, the optics looked bad. A rookie QB winning his first start typically earns a game ball. But Stefanski didn’t choose to celebrate the extraordinary milestone. So, naturally, plenty of questions have been raised since fans want clarification about the coach’s relationship with the rookie signal-caller.
When reporters asked Sanders about the alleged tension on Wednesday, he wasn’t having it.
“So you just want to start trouble huh?” Sanders fired back. The rookie shut down the narrative before it could gain more traction. “What people do outside of the building is really not in my control, not in my power.”
Reporter: “All your supporters say that Kevin Stefanski was sabotaging you…”
Shedeur Sanders “So you just want to start trouble, huh?”
(🎥 @Browns) pic.twitter.com/2MYYj53aA9
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 26, 2025
Sanders literally handled the situation with maturity, making clear he’s not feeding into outside noise or conspiracy theories.
“I’m just happy to be here,” Sanders added. “Coach Stefanski, he’s been coaching since I got here, and we’ve been doing a really good job with everything that’s going on.”
In all this chaos, the good thing is that Stefanski named Sanders the starter for Sunday’s home game against the 49ers despite Gabriel having cleared concussion protocol.
Now, this move suggests if Stefanski truly wanted to sabotage Sanders, he’d have switched back to Gabriel immediately.
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