Joe Theismann knows a thing or two about playing quarterback in the NFL, and he has high hopes for Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Theismann shared his thoughts on what it will take Sanders to be successful and that he believes Sanders will do what it takes to reach that level in an interview with Pro Football Network.
Theismann, of course, had a legendary career as a quarterback for the Washington Commanders organization. He went 77-47 and helped Washington win Super Bowl XVII — one of its three Super Bowl championships — before claiming the 1983 NFL MVP and getting it back to the Super Bowl that year.
Theismann went on to broadcast for decades with ESPN after his career ended.
How Does Joe Theismann Think Shedeur Sanders Will Handle Playing in the NFL?
Many view Sanders as an NFL prospect only due to his famous dad, Deion Sanders. Yet, Theismann disagrees with that sentiment.
“I think he’s got a lot of great natural talent,” Theismann told PFN. “I know he’s going to put the time in to learn. Believe me, Shedeur is not the football player he is because of his last name. He’s the football player he is because of the work ethic that he has and his desire to be not just good but great.”
But a lot of quarterbacks have entered the NFL with great natural talent and a strong work ethic. Elite, franchise quarterbacks can inspire their teammates and get them to buy in with their tools, leadership and great attitude.
Theismann also believes Sanders has that “it” factor too and that the Browns, and their fans, will see it as well.
“I think he’ll need to put the time in — the extra time in — to put the study in to be able to be the guy that’s a part of the team that the players will respect because of your work ethic,” Theismann said, “because of your knowledge of the system, because of your ability to make plays. That’s how you earn respect in this game, and I believe he’ll be able to do that.”
What Does Joe Theismann Think Of Deion Sanders Being Shedeur’s Dad?
Theismann acknowledged having Deion Sanders’ name attached to him may be a liability for Shedeur. But he also thinks Shedeur will find a way to overcome that again.
“When your dad is Deion Sanders, that’s a challenge,” Theismann said. “But he’s been dealing with that for so long. This is nothing new for Shedeur to have to deal with. ‘He’s my dad. Okay, fine. I just have to go out and do my job.’
“You’re not going to make your bones in this business based on what Deion did. You’re going to make it because of you.”
Some pundits feel that, even though the Browns took both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in this year’s draft, Cleveland still could be targeting a QB at the top of next year’s draft.
Yet, Theismann thinks Sanders’ potential success is up to him.
“I look at the natural talent, number one, which he has, and then the next thing’s up to him,” Theismann said. “How do you want to apply your natural talent to being as good as you can be to help the Cleveland Browns be a better football team?”
