‘A Net Negative Long Term’ — Writer Warns Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Against Emulating Deion Sanders’ Approach to Media

Shedeur Sanders’ football career has always been under the spotlight, but the NFL brings a different kind of attention. With a potential first start of the 2026 season approaching, even a routine question about an opponent can become a talking point.

His latest exchange with reporters has now drawn criticism from a writer who sees a familiar pattern in how Sanders handles the media. The concern is that carrying his father’s approach into the NFL could create problems before he establishes himself on the field.

David Ubben Questions Shedeur Sanders’ Approach to NFL Media

Sanders attracted attention during a media session ahead of Cleveland’s Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

A reporter asked Sanders whether he had studied the Saints’ defense. Instead of breaking down the opponent, the Browns quarterback offered a brief response that hinted at his frustration with certain questions.

“Yeah, I’ve seen a lot. When I smile, just know that means something. I’m maturing, you know what I’m saying. I’m maturing. I could have gave that a decent answer, but now I’m just going to smile whenever it’s just some questions,” Sanders said.

The exchange caught the attention of writer David Ubben, a senior college football writer for The Athletic. He shared Sanders’ comments on X and compared his approach to the way his father, Deion Sanders, handles media questions.

BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator

“Shedeur does the same thing Deion does where he’s constantly assessing every question for a hidden meaning or motivation. KD did the same thing this week. I get the instinct. There are a few bad actors in our field who aren’t interested in learning anything in interviews. But in general, this is an approach that’s going to be a net negative long term,” Ubben wrote.

Shedeur does the same thing Deion does where he’s constantly assessing every question for a hidden meaning or motivation. KD did the same thing this week.

I get the instinct. There are a few bad actors in our field who aren’t interested in learning anything in interviews. But in general, this is an approach that’s going to be a net negative long term.

— David Ubben (@davidubben) November 5, 2026

Ubben acknowledged that a few reporters are not interested in learning anything from interviews. However, he argued that treating ordinary questions with suspicion can create unnecessary tension with the media.

This concern carries particular weight as Shedeur prepares for a possible first start of the 2026 season. His father has often challenged reporters during his coaching career, including public disputes with The Athletic and other national outlets.

Shedeur spent his college career playing under Deion at Jackson State and Colorado, where he experienced that approach firsthand.

SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN’s Free Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer

But the NFL presents a different environment. Quarterbacks face regular media obligations, and building a working relationship with local reporters can become part of their responsibilities.

Ubben’s warning suggests that assuming every question carries an ulterior motive could make that relationship harder to manage.

Sanders may also have more immediate concerns against New Orleans. Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol after reporting delayed symptoms following a helmet-to-helmet hit against Pittsburgh, leaving Sanders in line to start if Watson cannot play.

The Saints’ defense, which ranks 31st on PFN’s NFL Defense Impact, has struggled this season, giving Cleveland an opportunity to test its second-year quarterback.

The Browns have several young offensive options, including receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, tight end Harold Fannin Jr., and running back Dylan Sampson. Sanders will need to manage the Saints’ pressure and improve his pre-snap decisions.