Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback recently drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is already generating headlines—but not solely for his performance on the field. Reports have emerged suggesting that Sanders’ documentary crew, which is following his transition from college football to the NFL, is causing concern within the Browns organization.
The controversy began when Sanders and his entourage, including close associate Hellion “Boog” Knight, visited John Marshall High School in Cleveland. Knight posted videos of the visit online, portraying it as part of Sanders’ community outreach. While such visits are typically well-received, the manner in which they were publicized raised eyebrows. Some local media figures, including ESPN Cleveland host Aaron Goldhammer, criticized the move as overly self-promotional and questioned the appropriateness of bringing a camera crew into what was otherwise a personal and community-driven moment.
Knight defended the footage, emphasizing that Sanders did not request the video to be posted and that he often visits schools without alerting the media. Nonetheless, the incident has fueled perceptions that Sanders is more focused on branding than football, an image he has struggled to shake since his time at Colorado.
This concern is not new. Prior to the draft, some NFL analysts had already raised red flags about Sanders’ professionalism. Ross Tucker, a former NFL lineman and current football commentator, pointed out a particularly unusual incident: Sanders reportedly skipped a pregame production meeting with CBS before Colorado’s high-profile game against Colorado State. Such meetings are standard for star quarterbacks, and his absence was interpreted as a lack of respect for the process and media obligations. Tucker and others suggested that this behavior may have contributed to Sanders falling to the fifth round despite his strong arm, mobility, and on-field leadership.
Inside the Browns’ front office, reactions to Sanders appear mixed. While some personnel are said to be wary of the distractions posed by his documentary team and brand-focused image, others see promise in his potential. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry has publicly praised Sanders, calling him “really smart” and “really driven.” Berry highlighted Sanders’ football IQ, confidence, and natural leadership as reasons the team believes he can develop into a franchise quarterback, even if he starts his career behind an established veteran.
Still, for a rookie looking to make a strong impression in a high-pressure environment like the NFL, off-field distractions can be a major concern. The Browns are working to build a culture focused on discipline, accountability, and team unity—traits that might be challenged by the presence of a documentary crew chronicling a player’s every move.
As the Browns prepare for training camp, Sanders will have to prove that he is more than just a media personality. His performance on the field, his conduct off it, and his ability to integrate into the team’s culture will all be under close scrutiny. If he can strike the right balance, he may yet fulfill his considerable potential—but the spotlight, both literal and metaphorical, will not be easy to escape.
