Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders isn’t taking the recent drama over his speeding tickets too seriously.
Sanders has been pulled over twice for speeding in the last two weeks, with the latest incident occurring on June 17. The former Colorado star also failed to appear in court for the first ticket, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Sanders attended David Njoku’s celebrity softball game Thursday night and addressed the speeding issue.
“I’m just a little boy,” Sanders said, smiling. “I’ve made some wrong choices, personally, I can own up to them. I’ve made some not great choices. I learn from it.”
Shedeur Sanders’ Off-Field Behavior Factor in QB Competition
Sanders doesn’t appear too concerned about the ticket, and in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a major issue. Still, Cabot believes even minor lapses in judgment could play a small role as the Browns evaluate their quarterback competition.
“Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, must also prove to the Browns that he’ll conduct himself professionally from here on out and can handle the demands of the position. He’s assured the Browns that he’ll take care of the speeding tickets, a team spokesman said, including the second one which can be waived by paying the $250 fine,” Cabot said. “But speeding twice, including during rookie orientation, is a pattern that must and will be addressed by the Browns, and could be at least a footnote in the quarterback competition.”
Sanders entered the draft with some character concerns, which proved to be a factor in his draft tumble from potential early first-round pick to the fifth round. However, he’s done a lot to quiet his doubters during his short time in Cleveland. Sanders has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff and veterans for his demeanor.
“I think everyone was surprised to see him go to the fifth round, but he’s come to camp and OTAs with a great attitude,” Browns star Myles Garrett said recently. “He’s a hard-working guy; he has a great head on his shoulders. And, you know, he’s always positive, always optimistic, always keeps a smile on his face, and you like going to work with people who have that kind of attitude.”
Shedeur Sanders Focused on Being ‘Best Teammate’
Sanders is competing with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, as well as veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for the starting quarterback job. While he faces an uphill battle, Sanders remains patient and focused, making the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
“My goal is to be the best teammate and to be as polished as I can be in every aspect,” Sanders said. “I view things as I got time. I got time to be able to grow and mature and be able to understand the ins and outs of the defenses and be able to get the good insight from the vets in the room.
“So, I look at it as a plus. I got time to actually be able to really have a great understanding and whenever it’s time for me to play, then it’s time for me to play. But I’m not looking too far in the future about all that. I’m looking [at] every day in practice. … I’m focused on the small things and over time the big things will happen.”
Sanders will have to stay out of the headlines for the wrong reasons if he wants to remain a factor in the quarterback competition.
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