Shedeur Sanders is eager to play for new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken.
The rookie quarterback said he felt an instant “connection” after meeting Monken at the team’s facility following the former offensive coordinator’s hiring last week.
“I’m grateful that I got to meet the head coach, that he was willing to let me meet with him and all I can do is work,” Sanders said Monday before practice for the Pro Bowl.
Monken has been the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens for the past three seasons. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was named the 2023 NFL MVP and was a first-team NFL All-Star in 2024 under Monken.
“It’s really great that he was able to coach Lamar and that he was able to accomplish everything that he accomplished in his life and his career,” Sanders said. I feel like we really have a connection just from talking to him and seeing his attitude, and he gives off a really good energy. »
Despite only playing in seven games with the Browns, the fifth-round pick was selected as a backup for the flag football all-star game between the two associations.
“Yes, I was surprised,” Sanders admitted. It’s not like I’m sitting there expecting it… I’m not going to lie, most of the time I live day by day, it’s my method… If you told me this was going to happen at the beginning of the year, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s incredible. I am truly grateful. I’m lucky to come here and be surrounded by all these great players and coaches. It’s surreal. »
Sanders was expected to be selected among the top five picks in the last NFL draft, but he fell to 144th overall. The Browns selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel ahead of him, in the third round. Sanders got his chance after the Browns traded veteran Joe Flacco, and Gabriel got six starts.
Sanders compiled a 3-4 record, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, with an efficiency rating of 68.1.
