Conspiracy theories about Shedeur Sanders are everywhere right now. Some fans swear the NFL and the Cleveland Browns are plotting to sabotage Shedeur Sanders before he even steps into a real QB1 role.
The idea has been bouncing around social media, gaining traction like it’s fact. But according to Colin Cowherd, that narrative couldn’t be further from the truth.
He argues the league has nothing to gain from holding back Shedeur Sanders, and the Browns definitely don’t benefit from derailing a young quarterback’s career. To Cowherd, the entire sabotage storyline is pure fiction.
Why Colin Cowherd Debunked Shedeur Sanders’ ongoing Theories
Colin Cowherd addressed the rising conspiracy theories surrounding Shedeur Sanders, particularly claims that the Cleveland Browns and league figures are attempting to slow down the rookie’s development.
He pointed to how quickly the speculation has grown online and referenced the dynamic behind it, noting that fans believe any attempt to downplay Shedeur Sanders only fuels more attention.
Cowherd linked Shedeur Sanders situation to the Streisand effect, the idea that trying to hide or suppress something ends up amplifying it, and said this is what conspiracy theorists believe is happening with Shedeur Sanders.
He followed that with a pointed question directed at the quarterback: “Dear Shedeur Sanders, ask yourself. What does the Cleveland or the NFL have to benefit by sabotaging Shedeur Sanders?”
Cowherd also pointed out that Shedeur Sanders is already a significant draw, mentioning, “Week one of the season he had a top 5 jersey.” He added that the league would welcome strong performances from him, citing imagined headlines such as “SHEDEUR’S LOOKS PRIME TIME: SANDERS THROWS 3TD vs RAIDERS.”
When addressing how the theories have shifted over time, Cowherd referenced earlier claims tied to draft position and depth chart placement, along with the later suggestion that off-field incidents were part of a broader plot. He noted how each stage of speculation continued to build on the last, contributing to the online narrative.
Cowherd concluded with a blunt assessment of Shedeur Sanders as a developing quarterback, stating, “The truth is he’s amateur that’s indisputable. And he’s not that good.” He added that despite his critique, “I’m rooting for him because I don’t root against young people.”
How Fans Reacted to Colin Cowherd’s Take
Colin Cowherd’s breakdown of the conspiracy theories around Shedeur Sanders triggered a wide range of reactions, with fans offering sharply contrasting interpretations of the situation.
Many pushed back on Cowherd’s framing, while others argued the analysis aligned with how the NFL typically operates. The conversation grew quickly, fueled by passionate defense, frustration, and broader discussions about coaching dynamics, race, and league politics.
Some fans argued Cowherd was missing the core concern. One wrote, “Nobody is saying all this by the way what the people see is Shedeur getting mistreated by his coaching staff Kevin obviously didn’t want Shedeur there and as for the draft everyone was saying Shedeur fell wayyy too far not just the fans it was everyone.”
Others compared Shedeur Sanders’ situation to examples of quarterbacks who were thrust into action under difficult conditions, pointing out, “Baker Mayfield started a game for Rams with two days notice and won.”
Another viewer framed the debate around shifting standards, saying, “If he fails it’s the NFL’s and Browns’ fault for not ‘supporting’ him. If he’s good it’s all Shedeur.”
Some took the conversation into deeper societal territory, arguing bias could influence how Shedeur Sanders is treated: “The only benefit is ‘humbling’ a young black man who is too confide… I mean ‘arrogant’. White hate has NO LIMITS… and the NFL is owned and ran by white men who also happen to make up the large majority of Shedeur haters.”
Others echoed similar concerns, writing, “Sometimes people don’t have to do something to gain anything some people are just racist and evil.”
Meanwhile, some fans focused on internal dynamics, noting, “Coaches with egos is a historical fact. How many careers do you think have been ruined by egos.” Another added, “This guy wants you to believe that there aren’t people in the NFL that would like to stick it to Deion.”
There were also fans who believed the issue was more straightforward, commenting, “The Browns didn’t want him. And the NFL ain’t sabotaging him… stefanski didn’t want him. That’s all we know.”
Others critiqued the team’s roster strategy, saying, “The sabotage came when the Browns drafted two QBs in the same draft therefore limiting who they could really put any real investment into.”
One viewer broadened the discussion to NIL’s influence: “So it’s about control. Watching with NIL exploding. The NFL Draft will be gone or at least modified.”
Whether defending the rookie or challenging the conspiracy theories, fans made one thing clear: Shedeur Sanders has become one of the most polarizing young figures in football.
The debate surrounding Shedeur Sanders isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and as the season unfolds, the reactions will only grow louder.
Also Read: Why Kevin Stefanski Didn’t Develop Shedeur Sanders With the First Team