Kelce backs Shedeur Sanders as Browns’ QB1: “Give the people what they want”
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to be the QB3, but Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is calling on him to be the starter.
I can’t tell you the actual statistics on this, but I’d wager that Shedeur Sanders is the most-talked-about fifth-round draft pick in NFL history. The rookie quarterback’s draft slide, last name, and reported drama with the media have landed him in the headlines for months.
But it doesn’t change the fact that he was the Cleveland Browns’ fifth-round pick, behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. And so even after a decent preseason showing, Sanders was listed as the Browns’ QB3 behind veteran Joe Flacco and Gabriel. But many people want to see Sanders play in a regular-season game ASAP, and that list includes Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
Travis Kelce pushes for Browns to start Shedeur Sanders over vets
Kelce is all in on the Shedeur Sanders hype. On this week’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce said the Browns should give their rookie quarterback the Week 1 start.
“Start Shedeur. Give the people what they want. The world wants to see him go out there, and not only play, but have success,” Kelce said, calling Sanders a player who could draw national attention and excitement.
“He’s going to put eyes on the screen. He’s going to bring people to the game.”
Urban Meyer's comments on @ShedeurSanders.... pic.twitter.com/nxPUMjBW8q
— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) August 22, 2025
The Browns selected Sanders two rounds after picking Gabriel. Sanders’ impressive preseason action included throwing for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-29 passing. Still, he’s listed as the QB3.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski defended the depth chart decision, pointing to Sanders’ continued growth. Still, Kelce believes it’s only a matter of time before fans get to see him under center
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