On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Shedeur Sanders will be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. The battle lines of dragon’s teeth have already been drawn throughout the land between his critics versus his stalwarts. While both teams have an underwhelming combined record of 4-16, this contest will certainly have more interest within the NFL community than the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Unfortunately, I learned what it was like to offer some form of constructive criticism last spring regarding the Sanders’ coverage after being selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. I authored, “Some Media Pundits Are Dishonest About Shedeur,” and something that I was so pleased to write objectively was not well-received by some family, friends, and associates; crickets were louder than the plaudits given to me. It appears my observations of some media members astroturfing to keep the invitation to the proverbial cookout were given the side-eye as being tantamount to treason.
Society has devolved into a state of always supporting a people group, whether the merits of individuals adhere to orthopraxy or not. Any endeavor to offer any sort of rectification to the conversation regarding the high thought of the day is seen as being unnecessary and unwarranted. Moreover, anyone desiring to provide Sanders with alternative methods of professionalism for a young man still honing his skills as a professional quarterback is somehow abhorrent.
What is even more troubling is seeing a segment of society not possess any foresight in wanting to see Sanders’ development and eventual success as potentially being a beneficent leader that others within the same community could emulate. Contrary to what some may believe, critiques are not indicative of schadenfreude or wishing for him to fail.
Nevertheless, we must endeavor to elevate the national discourse in America to help bring a conclusion to the anti-hero movement that has become passé since the 1970s. It is time for us to strive to be more urbane than profane. In essence, cutting against the grain like Barry Sanders & Gale Sayers and going against the grain on cultural trends are synonymous concepts that are quite an undertaking, but the challenge is necessary in steering the culture in the right direction.
For decades, the Raiders (whether in Oakland or Los Angeles) had a motto alluding to Pride & Poise. I would like to amend this axiom to Greatness & Gallantry to not only inspire Shedeur Sanders but for us all. In this, we can successfully return to our spiritual moorings instead of the hedonism of self-aggrandizement.
Friday, November 21, 2025