Johnny Manziel Praises Shedeur Sanders, Says He's 'Prepared for the Moment' in the NFL

The Texas A&M legend has known the Sanders family for a long time.

August 16, 2025

Johnny Manziel Praises Shedeur Sanders, Says He's 'Prepared for the Moment' in the NFL

Photo by Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Harold & Carole Pump Foundation | Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images

Shedeur Sanders opened his NFL preseason with Cleveland by logging 14 completions on 23 attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a 30–10 win over the Panthers.

The fifth-round pick (No. 144 overall) has been one of the most-watched rookies in camp, and his first outing offered a concise snapshot of where he is right now.

Former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel says none of this surprises him. “Knowing his family, knowing his dad for a long time, [he’s] well prepared for the moment,” Manziel told USA TODAY Sports. He added that Sanders is “well prepared for everything that comes with being in the NFL and playing the quarterback position.”

That readiness has shown up in how Shedeur Sanders is handling camp. He’s talked about keeping distractions to a minimum, even saying his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders, shouldn’t attend Browns practices during training camp so the focus stays on the work.

Manziel pointed to that independent streak, noting, “I think he is unique. He beats to his own drum. He is going to be different than a lot of guys that you’re going to see around the league.”

Cleveland currently lists Shedeur Sanders as the No. 4 quarterback. Veteran Joe Flacco is leading the room during camp, while the organization evaluates the rest of the depth chart behind him.

Manziel—who went 2–6 as a starter in Cleveland before his release at the start of the 2016 league year—offered simple advice from the outside looking in: “Just keep going, keep balling, keep trying to get better. Eventually, his day’s going to come to where he is the starter there, and hopefully he can make the most of it, and he’s got people excited.”

Manziel also emphasized what he believes is the right approach for a young passer entering the league spotlight. “I think he’s done the right thing every step of the way,” he said. “At the same time, you want to continue to be yourself. You don’t want to change what’s made you great and something that’s ingrained in your DNA.”