Few NFL players have generated as much attention as Shedeur Sanders. From his surprising draft-day slide to his record-breaking licensing earnings and ongoing competition at Browns practices, Sanders remains one of football’s most talked-about young stars.
Shedeur Sanders’ Record NFLPA Royalty Payment
The biggest recent headline surrounding Sanders is his stunning NFLPA licensing income. According to NFL Players Association financial disclosures, the Cleveland Browns quarterback earned a record $17.7 million in group licensing and royalty payments during the 2025 season. The figure shattered the previous NFL record of $9.5 million set by Tom Brady.
The payments came from products and licensing agreements involving multiple NFL players, including jerseys, trading cards, collectibles, video games, and marketing appearances. Notably, the total does not include Sanders’ personal endorsement deals with brands such as Gatorade and Beats by Dre.
Reports indicate that a significant portion of the royalty income arrived shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting the enormous commercial appeal Sanders generated despite being selected later than many analysts expected.
Browns Practice and Quarterback Competition
As the 2026 offseason progresses, Sanders continues to participate in Browns practices while competing for the starting quarterback role. The organization has described the quarterback battle as open, with Sanders seeking to build on the experience he gained during his rookie season.
After appearing in eight games during his first NFL season and making seven starts, Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. The Browns coaching staff is evaluating his development as he competes for a larger role entering the new campaign.
The Story Behind the No. 12 Jersey
During his rookie season, Sanders wore jersey number 12 with the Browns. However, he later announced a switch back to No. 2, the number he wore during his standout college career at Colorado Buffaloes. The change became possible after the departure of veteran receiver DeAndre Carter.
The No. 2 jersey carries special significance for Sanders, as it became closely associated with his success at Colorado and also connects to the legacy of his father, Deion Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Pick Journey
One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NFL Draft occurred when Sanders fell to the fifth round before being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick. Many draft analysts had projected him as a first-round selection, making his slide one of the most discussed stories of the event.
Despite the unexpected draft position, Sanders quickly became one of the NFL’s most marketable rookies. His massive licensing revenue and strong fan support have demonstrated that his influence extends far beyond where he was selected.
Outlook for 2026
Heading into the 2026 season, Sanders faces a pivotal year. The former Colorado star is working to establish himself as Cleveland’s long-term answer at quarterback while continuing to capitalize on one of the strongest personal brands in professional football. With record-breaking NFLPA earnings, a renewed jersey number, and another opportunity to impress at Browns practices, Sanders remains one of the NFL’s most fascinating young players.
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