Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders responded to recent comments made by former NFL coach and current ESPN pundit Rex Ryan Thursday. 

Last week, Ryan condemned Sanders for his behavior during a segment on the network’s “Get Up” show.

“This kid runs his mouth like, ‘I got could be a starting quarterback,’ with his arms crossed like this. Get your a– in the front row and study and do all that. If I know, the whole league knows,” Ryan said of Sanders.

Adding fuel to the fire was a bizarre incident widely dubbed the “mime stunt.” During a recent team event, Ryan engaged in what was described as an over-the-top performance, mimicking Sanders’ movements in a way that many observers called humiliating.

Footage of the stunt quickly went viral, drawing both ridicule and concern from fans who questioned the professionalism of the act. Analysts described it as a “public relations misstep,” and some insiders suggested it may have inadvertently strengthened Sanders’ standing, portraying him as composed and dignified in contrast to Ryan’s theatrics.

Sources close to Sanders report that the quarterback approached the situation with remarkable poise. Far from responding impulsively, he took measured steps to address the criticism, articulate his perspective, and maintain focus on his performance.

It was a display of emotional intelligence that impressed teammates, coaches, and league insiders alike. “He’s not just a talent on the field; he’s a leader in every sense,” one source noted. “The way he handled Ryan’s comments shows maturity and confidence beyond his years.”

The impact on the NFL landscape has been immediate. Sports talk shows and online forums erupted with debates over the incident, with analysts weighing in on whether Ryan’s authority had been undermined.

Many argued that Sanders’ composed rebuttal and the viral mime stunt combined to shift public perception, framing the quarterback as the figure of control and professionalism, while casting Ryan in a more erratic light.

For some, this may signal the beginning of a broader shift in influence within the league, where younger players are increasingly asserting themselves both on and off the field.

“Quit being an embarrassment that way. You got the talent to be a quarterback. You should be embarrassed that you’re not the quarterback now.”

Buffalo Bills former head coach Rex Ryan poses for a photo on the red carpet at an ESPN the Party event in the Houston arts district.  (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Sanders responded to the criticism while speaking to reporters after Thursday’s practice.

“He’s just trying to start something,” Sanders said.

“We not on no negativity from now on. We not doing that. I’m just here to be positive, and I don’t speak on anything negative. That’s the new way, that’s what we going forward with. Anything negative, we not talking about it, we not speaking on it.”

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit Sept. 28, 2025. (David Reginek/Imagn Images)

Sanders also addressed the public response to an incident last week, when reporters asked him his response to teammate and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel being named the team’s starting quarterback. Sanders responded by mouthing words without saying anything.

As fans, analysts, and insiders continue to dissect the fallout, one thing is certain: the clash between Sanders and Ryan has provided more than just headlines.

It has offered a glimpse into the power dynamics, personality clashes, and strategic calculations that define modern professional sports. And in that drama, Sanders emerges not just as a player responding to criticism, but as a leader asserting his presence, capable of turning confrontation into opportunity.

The NFL world has been set ablaze following Shedeur Sanders’ scorching response to Rex Ryan’s recent comments, sending shockwaves through the league and igniting debates among fans and analysts alike. Known for his calm, strategic play on the field, Sanders has shown that he is equally formidable off the field, issuing a fiery response that has left many questioning the future of Ryan’s authority and influence.

The controversy erupted after Ryan, former NFL coach and current commentator, criticized Sanders during a nationally televised segment. Labeling one of Sanders’ performances as an “embarrassment,” Ryan didn’t hold back, sparking outrage among supporters of the young quarterback.

The NFL community, always quick to react, immediately took to social media, dissecting Ryan’s remarks and questioning whether they were fair—or simply a provocative attempt to stir headlines.

“I guess not everybody likes playful all the time,” Sanders said. “So, it’s to understand how to be at all times and keep my personality a little bit slimmer, I guess. Because not everybody understands it at all times, and you may not have a full time to be able to explain things.”

After the team traded away veteran quarterback Joe Flacco this week, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t confirm that Sanders would move up to the second-string spot behind Gabriel for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stefanski told reporters he will “let the week play out” before deciding between Sanders and practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders listens to the national anthem before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field.  (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)

Sanders said he sees a “light at the end of the tunnel” regarding the situation.

“I’m in a great mental space overall,” Sanders said. “So, I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure. … Whatever my role is here, I’m thankful. I’m happy just to do that.”

As the dust settles, the question on everyone’s mind is clear: Is this the end of Rex Ryan’s unquestioned dominance in commentary, or simply a high-profile blip in a long career? While Ryan remains a respected figure with decades of experience, Sanders’ response has demonstrated that influence can be contested and reputations redefined. The incident highlights the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, experience and emerging talent, in a league constantly evolving both on and off the field.

For Sanders, the episode has strengthened his brand, showcased his leadership, and signaled his readiness to confront challenges head-on. The quarterback’s combination of poise, performance, and strategic acumen positions him not only as a rising star in the NFL but as a figure capable of reshaping narratives, commanding respect, and influencing the broader culture of the league.

What escalated the situation beyond ordinary critique was Sanders’ response. In a series of interviews and social media posts, the rising star didn’t just defend himself—he launched a pointed takedown of Ryan’s commentary. Emphasizing accountability, skill, and leadership, Sanders highlighted the realities of professional play, the intense scrutiny players endure, and the challenges of competing at the highest level. The result was a statement that was both eloquent and devastating, leaving Ryan’s critique looking increasingly out of touch.

Fans, too, have been vocal, flooding social media with messages of support for Sanders. Hashtags praising his leadership, resilience, and handling of criticism have trended across platforms, reflecting a growing admiration for his maturity under pressure. Memes comparing Ryan’s mime antics with Sanders’ calm responses have circulated widely, further cementing the quarterback’s narrative as composed, capable, and increasingly unshakable.

The stakes are more than just reputational. NFL insiders suggest that Ryan’s comments and antics may have unintended consequences for team dynamics. Players reportedly watch interactions like these closely, taking cues about leadership, respect, and authority. Sanders’ response, marked by composure and strategic communication, has not only defended his own image but potentially elevated his influence within the locker room. This could have ripple effects, shaping team culture and signaling a new era of player empowerment.

Meanwhile, pundits continue to dissect the “mime stunt” itself. Was it a calculated attempt by Ryan to assert dominance, or a misjudged effort at humor that backfired spectacularly? Many suggest the latter. The stunt, intended perhaps to belittle or entertain, instead reinforced Sanders’ stature, highlighting the quarterback’s ability to remain unflappable and focused despite public provocation. It became a textbook example of media mismanagement, where attempts at ridicule instead generate sympathy and admiration for the intended target.

Adding further intrigue, insiders reveal that Sanders’ team may have been preparing a strategic response behind the scenes. While public statements appear spontaneous, sources suggest careful coordination to maintain message control, protect his brand, and avoid escalation. This duality—poised public statements coupled with private strategic planning—illustrates the sophistication with which Sanders approaches both his athletic and public-facing responsibilities. It’s a blend of skill, maturity, and tactical thinking that distinguishes him from many contemporaries.

The fallout from this clash has reignited discussions about respect, authority, and hierarchy within the NFL. Ryan, long a larger-than-life personality in coaching and commentary, now faces scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of his behavior. Some analysts speculate whether his influence is waning, or if younger figures like Sanders will increasingly define the tone of the league’s public discourse. The incident serves as a microcosm of larger trends in professional sports, where athletes are not only players but communicators, leaders, and public figures capable of challenging traditional authority.

Even beyond the immediate controversy, the episode has broader implications for media representation in sports. The virality of the mime stunt, the strategic deployment of social media by Sanders, and the ensuing discussions across platforms underscore how performance, personality, and public perception intertwine in modern professional sports. Athletes are no longer defined solely by their on-field contributions; they are increasingly judged—and celebrated—for their ability to navigate criticism, media spectacle, and public expectation.

The NFL landscape remains turbulent, and the reverberations from this episode are likely to continue. With each public interaction, each social media post, and each on-field performance, Sanders demonstrates that his impact extends far beyond statistics and gameplay. He has transformed a moment of controversy into a platform for leadership, resilience, and strategic influence.

For Rex Ryan, the episode is a cautionary tale: even the most established figures are vulnerable to shifts in perception, and even small missteps can become defining moments in the age of social media and instant analysis. For Sanders, it is a triumph—a display of character, focus, and determination that elevates him from mere talent to a figure of authority and inspiration in his own right.

As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will remain on both figures. Will Ryan regain his footing and reassert influence, or will Sanders’ decisive response mark the start of a new hierarchy in league discourse? Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, knowing that the drama—both on and off the field—is far from over.

Ultimately, this explosive episode underscores a timeless truth: in professional sports, talent, strategy, and composure matter as much off the field as they do on it. Shedeur Sanders has proven that he possesses all three, and in doing so, he has not only defended his reputation but potentially reshaped the balance of power in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.