Raheim Sanders has quietly become one of the most talked-about rookie running backs in the NFL — not just for his on-field play but also due to questions surrounding his name and possible connection to NFL legend Deion Sanders. Let’s break down the facts and highlight his 12 touches vs the Buffalo Bills that sparked discussion across the league.
Is Raheim Sanders Related to Deion Sanders?
Short answer: No — Raheim Sanders is not related to Deion Sanders.
Despite sharing the same last name and playing in the NFL at the same time as Deion Sanders’ sons (Shedeur and Shilo), Raheim has no familial ties to Deion or his family. Multiple verified NFL reporting outlets confirm this distinction:
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Raheim Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders are teammates on the Cleveland Browns, but they are not related beyond sharing a surname.
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Other Sanders in the NFL, such as Shilo (Deion’s son) and T.J. Sanders, have different family lineages. Only Shedeur and Shilo are confirmed as Deion’s children.
This has become a common point of confusion for fans because of the rare coincidence of multiple Sanders rookies in the league this season, but it’s clear that Raheim earned his roster spot through his own performance and capability.
Who Is Raheim “Rocket” Sanders?
Raheim Sanders — often nicknamed “Rocket” — is a running back for the Cleveland Browns. His journey to the NFL has been one of perseverance and growth:
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Undrafted out of South Carolina, he initially signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in April 2025 before being released during final cuts.
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The Browns claimed him off waivers, and he has since carved out opportunities on offense — including scoring his first NFL touchdown earlier in the season.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and around 225 pounds, Raheim combines power with agility, traits that helped him post big numbers in college and earn playing time at the pro level.
Raheim’s 12 Touches Versus the Buffalo Bills
In the Browns’ Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Raheim Sanders logged 12 touches, a notable workload for a rookie running back. His performance looked like this:
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11 rushing attempts for 42 yards
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1 reception for 4 yards
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Total: 12 touches in a 23–20 Browns loss against the Bills.
This opportunity partly came because starter Quinshon Judkins exited the game early due to injury, pushing Sanders into more action than usual.
Although not explosive by statistical standards, Raheim’s contributions showed his reliability as a workhorse back when given opportunity, especially in crucial mid-game situations. His ability to handle volume will be key for the Browns’ running back rotation in the upcoming games.
Why This Matters: Raheim’s Growing Role
While 12 touches may not seem like a breakout performance compared to league stars, it’s significant for a rookie undrafted back in his first NFL season:
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Filling in for injured starters highlights trust from the coaching staff.
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Every touch adds valuable experience at the professional level.
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Increased playing time likely impacts his value in fantasy football and Browns offensive planning.
As the Browns navigate the late season and potential playoff scenarios, Raheim’s presence could become a reliable asset — especially if backfield injuries persist.
Final Take — Raheim vs The “Sanders Legacy” Misconception
There’s no doubt that Deion Sanders’ legacy looms large in the NFL, thanks to stars like Shedeur and Shilo. However, Raheim Sanders has proven that he’s not riding any family coattails — he’s earning his place through performance and work ethic.
In his game against the Bills, Raheim’s 12 touches were more than just statistics — they were evidence of his evolving role and increasing trust from the Browns coaching staff. Whether he becomes a consistent starter or valuable rotational option, his journey remains one to watch.
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