Shedeur Sanders Clashes with Browns Reporter Tony Grossi Following Preseason Success
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders took a clear shot at ESPN Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi after his impressive preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025. The interaction followed a game where Sanders threw for 138 yards with two touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a rising NFL talent.
Sanders, who was drafted in the fifth round despite some controversy surrounding his draft stock, made a bold move when confronting Grossi, a veteran Browns analyst known for his critical coverage of the young quarterback during training camp. The exchange, described as light-hearted yet pointed, happened immediately after the game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to a video posted on social media by Sanders’ brother, Deion Sanders Jr., Sanders addressed Grossi directly, saying, “Tony, I be hoping you have something positive to say about me. You only say negative stuff about me. And I’m like, ‘I ain’t do nothing to you.’ I’ve never seen you say anything positive about me.”
Grossi’s response was inaudible in the clip, but Sanders doubled down: “I ain’t hear nothing positive you’ve ever said.” Despite the apparent tension, the exchange ended amicably with both sharing a laugh before Sanders walked away saying, “What I do? What’d I do to you?”
Grossi later shared his thoughts on Sanders’ performance during ESPN Cleveland’s postgame commentary, calling the rookie “outstanding” and noting that his strong showing “put the pressure on QB2 Kenny Pickett and QB3 Dillon Gabriel to get healthy and perform next week.” This acknowledgment suggests a nuanced relationship between player and media personality, where criticism is met with both pushback and professional respect.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also praised Sanders’ development, highlighting the valuable reps and experiences the rookie gained during the game. Stefanski emphasized Sanders’ role with substantial playing time in the preseason aimed at accelerating his growth within the team’s offensive scheme.
Sanders finished his first preseason appearance with notable stats: 14 completions on 23 attempts, 138 passing yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a strong 106.8 quarterback rating. Additionally, he demonstrated his mobility by rushing for 19 yards on four carries, including a notable 10-yard scramble.
The confrontation and Sanders’ strong debut have become major talking points in NFL circles, revitalizing debates about the quarterback’s draft position and his future with the Browns. With two preseason games remaining, Sanders continues to build momentum and cultivate a distinctive presence on and off the field.
As the Browns prepare for upcoming preseason games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Sanders can solidify his position and potentially challenge for the starting quarterback role.