Former NFL coach Rex Ryan didn't mince words on Monday's edition of ESPN's Get Up, unleashing a scathing critique of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Ryan, known for his blunt style, accused Sanders of being an embarrassment to himself and the team, suggesting the young signal-caller isn't putting in the necessary work to earn a starting spot. This comes just days after Sanders, the third-string QB behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel, boasted in an interview that he could outperform many of the league's current starters based on what he's seen so far this season.
Indeed, Sanders' comments last week stirred the pot in Cleveland, where the Browns sit at a shaky 1-3 record following a 34-10 drubbing by the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Flacco struggled mightily in that loss, completing just 18 of 30 passes for 178 yards and two interceptions, prompting calls for a change at the position. But Ryan zeroed in on Sanders' preparation—or lack thereof—implying the Colorado product spends more time talking than studying film. "Quit being an embarrassment," Ryan barked on air, questioning why Sanders isn't glued to the front row in meetings or grinding with the scout team. It's a harsh take from a coach who's been out of the league since 2015, but one that echoes frustrations in a Browns locker room desperate for stability under center.
However, Sanders fired back in his own unconventional way during Wednesday's press availability. Instead of speaking, the 23-year-old opted for a silent response, miming answers to reporters' questions about his depth chart status and the ongoing QB carousel. The bizarre presser, which lasted mere minutes before being cut short by team staff, quickly went viral, drawing both mockery and sympathy from fans. Adding fuel to the fire, Sanders' mother, Pilar, took to Instagram with a blistering post labeling Ryan's remarks as "cancerous" and "envious energy," defending her son's work ethic and dismissing the analyst's input as outdated noise.
Moreover, local Cleveland voices aren't buying Ryan's narrative entirely. One prominent analyst urged the ex-coach to "shut the hell up" and stop meddling in the Browns' affairs, highlighting the pressure on a rookie drafted in the high expectations of 2025. As tempers flare and the season grinds on, it's clear the Sanders saga is far from over—what role, if any, will he carve out in this turbulent quarterback room?