LeBron James lauds Shedeur Sanders after two first-half TDs in NFL preseason debut

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a strong impression in the first half of his NFL preseason debut, tossing two touchdown passes to Kaden Davis against the Carolina Panthers Friday night.

The first score - a precise 7-yard strike to Davis between two defenders - drew a quick social media reaction from his Hall of Fame father and Colorado Buffaloes head coach, Deion Sanders.

"Yes Lawd! Yes @ShedeurSanders," Sanders posted on X.



Sanders capped the first half with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Davis over the middle, giving the Browns a 14-7 halftime lead. He went 11-of-18 for 103 yards with no turnovers, adding four rushes for 19 yards, including a kneel-down to close the half.


Carolina’s miscues helped spark his success. In the second quarter, the Panthers muffed a punt at their own 10-yard line, and Cleveland recovered.

On second-and-7, Sanders rolled out and zipped a pass between two defenders to Davis, tying the game at 7. Both of Sanders’ touchdown throws came after Cleveland’s first three drives stalled and were against Carolina’s backups.

Sanders’ strong showing even drew the attention of NBA superstar LeBron James.

"That young (man) looking good out there," James wrote. "Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high.”


James later added another post with "And I don’t wanna hear that "It’s only preseason” bs. Cause if he was out there not going in y’all would be on his (butt) about it! So give credit and grace lames.”


With Cleveland dealing with quarterback injuries, Sanders got the start. Shoulder soreness had limited him recently, but coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday it’s no longer an issue.

In college, Sanders appeared in 50 games, completing 1,267 of 1,808 passes for 14,353 yards, 134 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions, while adding 17 rushing scores. Bryce Young started for Carolina.