In a surprising turn of events following the 2025 NFL Draft, former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders became the center of attention after shockingly falling to the fifth round and being selected by the Cleveland Browns at pick 144. This unexpected slide sparked widespread debate, and one of the most vocal reactions came from Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. In the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis didn’t hold back in sharing his bold take on the situation, while also slamming anonymous sources that criticized Sanders leading up to the draft.
Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected Fall
Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, was once considered a top prospect for the quarterback position in the 2025 NFL Draft. With an impressive college career at Colorado, including 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and a nation-leading 74% completion rate in the 2024 season, Sanders was projected to be a first- or, at the very least, second-round pick. However, things didn’t go as planned.
Negative reports from anonymous sources claimed that Sanders underperformed in pre-draft interviews, causing several teams to remove him from their priority lists. As a result, Sanders had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called by the Cleveland Browns, a shock to both fans and analysts. This development prompted Travis Kelce, a lifelong Browns fan and one of the NFL’s biggest stars, to speak out.
Travis Kelce: “I Love This for Cleveland”
In the New Heights podcast episode aired on May 1, 2025, Travis Kelce expressed his excitement about the Browns drafting Sanders while sharply criticizing the anonymous sources that tarnished his reputation. “I love this for Cleveland, man, I really do,” Kelce said enthusiastically. “The Browns just got a stylish champion, a hard worker, and now a guy with a chip on his shoulder to prove himself. I’m not sure why he fell that far—whether it was the interviews or something on the field. But from what I’ve seen on tape, he should’ve been picked way earlier.”
Kelce didn’t stop at praising Sanders; he also took aim at those who spread negative rumors without revealing their identities. “Who are these anonymous cowards behind those comments? They need to step up and show their faces. Don’t just hide in the shadows and spew nonsense!” Kelce said passionately. His remarks not only showed support for Sanders but also highlighted his frustration with how some teams and media outlets handle the draft process.
Jason Kelce: “How Could You Not Feel Disrespected?”
Travis’s brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, also weighed in on the discussion. Commenting on Sanders’ fall to the fifth round, Jason noted that anyone in Sanders’ position would feel slighted. “If you’re a confident guy, highly rated, with an outstanding college career like Sanders, how could you not feel disrespected being picked that low? Getting to the NFL is great, but being passed over by so many other quarterbacks, even Dillon Gabriel, who the Browns took in the third round, has to sting,” Jason said.
Jason’s empathy underscored the emotional toll on Sanders and emphasized that he has every right to carry a “chip on his shoulder” as motivation. Both Kelce brothers believe that Sanders, with his talent and drive, will seize this opportunity to prove his worth in Cleveland.
Shedeur Sanders: Starting His Journey with the Browns
After being drafted by the Browns, Shedeur Sanders quickly began making his mark. At the team’s rookie minicamp held from May 9-11, 2025, Sanders impressed with his sharp passes and early signs of leadership. According to ESPN, Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel split roughly 36 reps in individual drills, with Sanders being described as “crisper” on the first day.
Off the field, Sanders also won over the Cleveland community. During a surprise visit to John Marshall High School, he shared his ambition to lead the Browns to a Super Bowl and stressed the importance of connecting with the younger generation. “I want to bring hope and positivity to this city,” Sanders said. These actions demonstrate that he is not only a talented athlete but also an individual with a strong sense of community.
The Browns and Sanders’ Opportunity
The Browns’ decision to draft both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in this year’s draft has set the stage for a fierce competition at the quarterback position, alongside veterans like Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson (who may miss the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury). Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that no one will be handed a starting role, and everything will be earned through performance. “We want competition at every position,” Stefanski said.
For Sanders, this is a golden opportunity to prove his doubters wrong. With the backing of stars like Travis Kelce and the expectations of Browns fans, Sanders is at the threshold of writing a new chapter in his career. Can he turn that “chip on his shoulder” into the fuel needed to lead Cleveland to glory? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
Travis Kelce’s fiery reaction was not just a defense of Shedeur Sanders but also a reminder of the harsh realities of the NFL Draft, where talent can sometimes be overshadowed by off-field factors. With Kelce’s support, Jason’s empathy, and his own unrelenting drive, Sanders has everything he needs to turn his Super Bowl dreams into reality in Cleveland. Football fans everywhere are eagerly watching to see if he can rise to the challenge and cement his name as he did at Colorado.