Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is under fire this week, and it’s all because of a postgame locker-room speech that fans say felt… off.
After Cleveland’s 24-10 win in Las Vegas, Stefanski went down the line praising nearly every unit on the roster, delivering everything from tactical shoutouts to a profanity-laced tribute for Myles Garrett.
But when it came to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had just made his first NFL start, the room shifted. The energy dipped. And the recognition? Blink-and-you-miss-it. That tiny moment is now blowing up online.
Sanders didn’t just play a decent game, he made history. He threw for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception, managing the offense with surprising poise while snapping Cleveland’s three-game losing streak.
More importantly, he became the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his debut since 1995. Thirty years. Three decades. And yet, he got a one-line mention as Stefanski rattled through his rundown of the night.
Fans noticed. Instantly.
One fan wrote, “Maybe I’m trippin… but I feel like Shedeur should have gotten a game ball as well. First rookie QB to win his debut since 1995? Basically lifted a curse. That’s a big deal.”
Another chimed in, “You needed two balls there, buddy. You mentioned Sanders in passing like he didn’t just make history. Either Kevin is ignorant or someone is setting him up.”
More chimed in: “This is the Browns’ first away win of the season. I’m shocked the coach doesn’t know what that means.”
And then came the comment that’s now circling everywhere: “He lowered his tone for Sanders and gave the ball to Myles? THIS IS A GENERATIONAL HATER.”
Whether fans root for Team Shedeur or Team Deshaun, one sentiment is spreading fast: A rookie quarterback accomplished something Cleveland hasn’t seen in 30 years, so where was the moment of recognition? Now, the debate is officially on.
How Stefanski Reportedly Snubbed Shedeur Sanders
Stefanski’s postgame speech should’ve been the perfect moment to spotlight his rookie quarterback’s historic debut, but fans argue it did the opposite.
When the coach launched into his celebration, he started strong: “How about that road win? We stayed resilient together and we fought together.”
He highlighted Gage Lavardain’s special-teams return, praised Corey Bojorquez for consistently pinning the Raiders deep, and shouted out Dylan Sampson’s late-game burst.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for… and it fell flat. Stefanski tossed out a quick, almost throwaway line: “Then another rookie making his first start, nice job Shedeur.” No build-up. No emphasis. No acknowledgment of the 30-year milestone Sanders had just broken.
Moments later, the tone shifted again, this time with full force. Stefanski hyped up the defense, unleashed a profanity-filled tribute, and handed the game ball to Myles Garrett for his dominant performance. Fans couldn’t help noticing the dramatic difference in energy, calling it a clear snub of the rookie who helped secure the win.
Fans Also Believe Shedeur Sanders Was Andrew Berry’s Draft Choice
Another layer fueling the controversy is the growing belief among fans that Shedeur Sanders wasn’t Stefanski’s pick at all, but Andrew Berry’s. Under a clip circulating online, one fan confidently declared, “Oh yeah. Shedeur was 100% Andrew Berry’s guy.”
Others quickly echoed the sentiment, arguing that the Browns’ GM pushed for Sanders while ownership and Stefanski were hesitant.
One fan wrote, “Definitely Berry’s guy. Haslam and Stefanski didn’t want any parts of Shedeur. Berry had a tremendous draft btw. All studs!”
Another added, “Yeah, pretty obvious. Kevin doesn’t know what he’s looking at.”
Support kept rolling in: “That’s 100 percent what I’m saying he is Andrew’s guy,” while another user praised the front office, saying, “This was his best draft overall.”
Whether fans are right or not, one thing is clear: Shedeur Sanders has already shaken up Cleveland, and the conversation around him is only getting louder.
Also Read: “He’s a Piano Player”: Pete Carroll Talks About His Pre-Draft Meetup With Shedeur Sanders