Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns on August 8, drawing record-breaking preseason viewership. The 22-year-old quarterback delivered two touchdowns and 138 passing yards in a game watched by over 2.2 million viewers.
The rookie quarterback, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, faced the Carolina Panthers under an unusually bright preseason spotlight. The NFL Network broadcast pulled in 2,237,000 viewers, according to Nielsen data via The Sporting News. It was the most-watched program of the night across all cable and broadcast channels.
The game also drew a 0.61 rating in the 18 – 49 demographic. At Bank of America Stadium, 71,205 fans filled the seats, nearly selling out the venue, according to WBLS.
Sanders maximized his limited playing time, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, rushing for 19 yards, and throwing two touchdowns. The Browns secured a 30-10 victory, but the spotlight remained firmly on Sanders’ poised play, quick decisions, and ability to extend drives.
His performance sparked fresh discussions about his future in the NFL. Supporters highlight his leadership skills from his time at Jackson State and Colorado as evidence that he can succeed at the professional level. Critics, however, question whether the attention comes more from his famous last name and preseason hype than from one strong outing.
Regardless, Sanders’ debut set an early-season benchmark for both audience numbers and fan interest.
SOURCE: blacknews.com