Deion Sanders Cleveland visit yields QB tips for Monken
Hall of Famer Deion Sanders made a Deion Sanders Cleveland visit to Browns training camp Thursday and gave first-year coach Todd Monken brief insight on son Shedeur Sanders, who is battling Deshaun Watson for the starting job. Monken said Coach Prime shared how Shedeur processes and competes—notes that largely matched what Cleveland has already seen.
Key Takeaways
- Deion Sanders attended Day 2 of Cleveland Browns training camp in Berea, Ohio.
- Todd Monken said Sanders offered a "little bit of insight" on Shedeur's personality and competitiveness.
- Shedeur Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, is competing with Deshaun Watson for QB1.
- Deion had said months earlier he wanted to advise Monken on how to get Shedeur going.
- Monken has not named a starter and continues alternating first-team reps.
What Happened During Deion Sanders' Cleveland Visit?
According to ESPN, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado coach turned up for the Browns' second day of camp after hinting months ago at a trip to meet Monken.
Monken told reporters he spoke briefly with Sanders before practice. "It was really cool," Monken said, praising Deion as a player, coach, and the father who developed Shedeur. He added that Sanders got into "what makes him tick" personality-wise and competitively before general manager Andrew Berry took the next turn with the visitor.
Monken stressed that most of what Deion described already lined up with how the staff has seen Shedeur in Cleveland. "Now we haven't gotten to games yet. That's a different animal," he said.
Why Did Deion Sanders Want to Meet Todd Monken?
In May, Deion told YouTube show "The Barbershop" he wanted to speak with Monken as a coach—not merely as a dad—about how to get Shedeur going. He said that kind of conversation was not sought a year ago and argued teams should ask him what motivates players he coached, including former Colorado star Travis Hunter.
Shedeur played for his father through high school and college at Jackson State and Colorado. Yahoo Sports noted Deion helped Shedeur earn second-team All-American honors in 2024 while leading the NCAA in completion percentage.
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How Does This Affect the Browns' QB Decision?
Shedeur, drafted No. 144 overall in 2025, started the final seven games as a rookie after Dillon Gabriel's concussion and finished 3-4 as a starter. He completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Watson is trying to reclaim the job after missing the entire 2025 season with a re-ruptured Achilles. Watson took all first-team reps on Wednesday; Shedeur was set to lead the ones on Thursday and took those first-team snaps with his father watching, per local reports.
Monken has not revealed a timeline for naming a starter and plans to keep alternating reps. Depth options include Gabriel and 2026 draft pick Taylen Green. The Deion Sanders Cleveland visit adds color to camp, but Monken framed the tips as confirmation more than a new playbook.