As NFL fans gear up for the 2025 football season, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and whether he’ll see the field in his first year. ESPN analyst Colin Cowherd recently made headlines with a bold prediction regarding the exact moment Sanders will enter the spotlight.
According to Cowherd, the Browns’ 2025 season is shaping up to be a rocky ride. He believes veteran Joe Flacco will begin the year as the starter, with the coaching staff reluctant to rush Sanders into action. However, Cowherd points to one key factor that could change everything: owner Jimmy Haslam.
Citing Haslam’s past affinity for high-profile quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel and Deshaun Watson, Cowherd expects the owner to push for Sanders to start as soon as the team hits a rough patch.
Cowherd suggests that Haslam may step in if Cleveland begins the season with a 0–4 or 1–3 record. The tipping point? A Week 5 game in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Cowherd thinks the staff will convince Haslam to hold off one more week, ultimately leading to Sanders’ first start on Sunday, October 12th, at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A Franchise Known for Bold QB Moves May Strike Again: If Colin Cowherd’s prediction rings true, it wouldn’t be Haslam’s first time overriding football operations for a splashy move. From Baker Mayfield to Johnny Manziel, Haslam has a history of prioritizing quarterbacks who generate buzz. With his strong college résumé and famous football pedigree, Sanders fits that mold perfectly. Cowherd also speculates that the Browns may have drafted Dylan Gabriel slightly earlier than expected to avoid the pressure of selecting Sanders. However, the writing was on the wall, and Haslam reportedly pushed for the pick. Now, as the team faces another potentially underwhelming start, Sanders may be Cleveland’s next headline-grabbing quarterback — but this time, he could be the one that sticks. What makes Sanders different? He’s polished, media-savvy, and built for the spotlight. His confidence and poise in high-pressure moments during his college career suggest he’s not just a marketing move — he’s the real deal. For a franchise that is constantly searching for consistency under center, Sanders could finally be the long-awaited solution.
Graphic courtesy Instagram
Why Shedeur Sanders Could Be the Browns’ Breakthrough Star: The buzz surrounding Shedeur Sanders isn’t just hype — it’s rooted in talent and timing. With Cleveland’s quarterback situation shaky at best and Flacco nearing the twilight of his career, the door is wide open for Sanders to seize his opportunity. The key will be whether the team’s struggles accelerate that timeline. Once Sanders is handed the reins, many believe there’s no looking back. His charisma, leadership, and arm strength give him the tools to thrive, even behind a questionable offensive line. If the Browns’ schedule plays out as Cowherd expects, and losses pile up early, fans may witness a turning point in the franchise’s history.
Sunday, October 12, could mark the beginning of a new era—one in which the Browns finally get it right at quarterback. As one passionate fan said, “Shedeur Sanders was made for these moments… the rest will be history.” Whether Cowherd’s timeline is spot on or not, one thing is clear: Shedeur Sanders is coming, and when he does, the spotlight will be his.
