ESPN analyst Rex Ryan set off a scandal after brutally criticizing Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders during Monday’s edition of Get Up. The former Jets coach didn’t hold back his feelings about the third-string quarterback’s confidence and postgame behavior.
The controversy began when Sanders made his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens after Dillon Gabriel was forced to leave the game due to a concussion. Sanders struggled badly, completing just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception in the 23-16 loss.
Rex Ryan questions Shedeur Sanders’ attitude and postgame actions
After the game, cameras caught Shedeur Sanders sitting alone on the bench, visibly frustrated with his performance. Ryan took issue with that decision, saying, “Shedeur, he’s gotta get over himself too. Like he’s there by himself on the bench. I’ve never seen that.”
🔥 Shedeur vs 49ers Pre-Game. Rex Back at It Again. Gets Crushed 🤡
“It’s different for a lot of us to see that. Get used to different” https://t.co/gmCcy0WItV pic.twitter.com/DLV8QYZzEz
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) November 30, 2025
Ryan said Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, was trying to shake Sanders’ hand after the game. Ryan added that Jackson was looking for him on the field.
Ryan questioned whether Shedeur Sanders cared or was trying to make it a show and turn it into something about himself. He said these were his teammates and that Sanders talked about not being comfortable with losing. Ryan added that nobody in the locker room should be comfortable with it.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Ryan had previously gone after Sanders for his confidence before even getting a chance to play. “This kid talks and he runs his mouth,” Ryan said during an earlier appearance. “Get your ass in the front row and study and do all that.”
Ryan told Sanders directly, “You’ve got the talent to be the quarterback, you should be. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”
Those comments came after Sanders told ESPN Cleveland he felt capable of playing better than some current NFL starting quarterbacks. Ryan clearly believed Sanders needed to prove himself before making such statements.
Shedeur Sanders’ mom and fans fire back
The backlash was immediate and fierce. Pilar Sanders, Shedeur’s mother, fired back on Instagram, calling Ryan’s words “impotent, cancerous, envious energy” and “Evile.” She questioned what Ryan “really represent[s]” before adding “there’s no room for this type in sports.”
Pilar Sanders the mother of Shedeur had this to say.. And as she should. Because the way he was walking about Shedeur felt personal. pic.twitter.com/Em8rJ9Cfr8
— SayWhatYouMean (@Mystiq_Soul) September 29, 2025
Fans accused Ryan of “hating for clicks” to generate ratings for ESPN. Many felt the former coach was being unnecessarily harsh on a rookie thrown into action without any first-team practice reps.
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho ripped Ryan during a “Speakeasy” episode, calling his takes “imbecilic remarks” and stating, “Rex Ryan’s consistent attacks on Shedeur Sanders is starting to get weird, real weird. Seems personal and DUMB!”
Shedeur Sanders himself responded to the controversy by initially holding a press conference that used only mime gestures, a silent protest that went viral but drew mixed reactions. He later stated he would not focus on “negativity.”
The story shifted after Sanders got his first regular-season start in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanders played even better and helped the Browns win 24-10.
Ryan then changed his tone. He praised Sanders’ performance but criticized the rookie’s postgame interview. He said he wanted others to keep Sanders from speaking right after the game.
Leave a Comment
Share your thoughts and join the discussion