Shedeur Sanders took an odd approach in conducting his interviews on Wednesday, and his “silent response” tactic was apparently in response to a former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst.
Why Was Shedeur Sanders Silent During His Interviews?
On Monday morning’s episode of Get Up!, Rex Ryan gave his thoughts on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation. When discussing the decision between rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, he gave a harsh and candid statement about the latter:
“Something’s missing with this kid. He talks, he runs his mouth, like ‘I could be a starting quarterback’ with his arms crossed. Get your ass in the front row, and study and do all that. Quit being an embarrassment that way.”
So when the Browns announced on Wednesday that Gabriel would be the starter for Week 5, Sanders went “full mime” during his media session. When asked his thoughts about remaining on the bench, he smiled and mouthed words, but no sound came from his lips. It was unusual and almost uncomfortable, but was an obvious nod to the comments that Rex Ryan made earlier in the week.
Shedeur Sanders pantomiming today was in response to ESPN analyst Rex Ryan criticizing the rookie QB earlier this week. Here is what Ryan said Monday on Get Up that led to Sanders pantomiming answers today about Cleveland’s QB change and him remaining QB3: pic.twitter.com/MDRWz8hb4h
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025
Despite the hype that surrounded him entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders found himself sliding down the board, ultimately dropping all the way to the 5th round before Cleveland finally ended his wait. At one point, he was one of five quarterbacks on the Browns’ roster, and began his rookie season as the third quarterback on the depth chart.
The backup quarterback job was given to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted two rounds prior.
Shedeur refused to speak words to the media after Dillon Gabriel was named QB1 😳
(via @Spencito_) pic.twitter.com/8ldJ1TuAEp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 1, 2025
It was widely assumed that one of the rookies would eventually take over for Joe Flacco. The veteran was named the starter to start the 2025 season, but the Browns have started 1-3 and Flacco has performed poorly. He is averaging 203.8 yards per game through the first month, but has thrown just two touchdowns compared to six interceptions.
Shedeur Sanders may not have to be silent much longer, though. Depending on how Gabriel performs in the next handful of games, we could see the other rookie get some playing time before the end of the regular season.
