Shedeur Sanders and the unusual problem he could face in his debut as a starter because of an NFL reporter
The Cleveland Browns quarterback is preparing for his first start of the 2026 season, but a growing dispute involving his supporters and a local reporter has created another distraction ahead of Sunday's game
S hedeur Sanders is approaching a major opportunity with the Cleveland Browns , but the attention surrounding his first start of the 2026 NFL season is not entirely focused on what he can deliver on the field.
Instead, an uncomfortable dispute involving his fanbase and a prominent Cleveland media personality has added another layer of scrutiny before Sunday's meeting with the New Orleans Saints .
The controversy emerged after reporter and radio host Anthony Lima criticised the behaviour of some Sanders supporters online. Lima claimed that criticism of the young quarterback regularly leads to personal abuse, including homophobic insults and threats of physical violence.
“I am honestly fascinated by how differently the Shedeur fans react to criticism of their QB. Been doing this a long time and have gotten called every name in the book. But his fans go right to homophobic insults and threats of physical violence. They need to be studied,” he wrote on X.
Lima's comments came amid wider debate about Sanders ' interactions with reporters during the week.
The quarterback has attracted considerable attention since entering the NFL, and his supporters have frequently defended him when journalists question his performances or conduct.
However, the allegations raised by Lima go beyond ordinary disagreements between fans and the media. While criticism of a player's performances is part of professional sport, threats directed at journalists are a separate matter and should not be treated as a normal part of online debate.
The timing is particularly awkward for Sanders , who is preparing to take on a much bigger responsibility for Cleveland.
Sanders' press conference comments add to the attention
The latest discussion began after Sanders was asked about the New Orleans defense during a media availability. Rather than offering a detailed assessment of the unit, he delivered an answer that quickly attracted attention.
“Yeah, I’ve seen a lot. When I smile, just know that means something. (laughs) I’m maturing, you know what I’m saying? I’m maturing. Like, I could have given that a decent answer, but now I’m just going to smile,” Sanders said after being asked about New Orleans’ defense.
The response was compared with that of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough , who offered a more straightforward evaluation when asked about Cleveland's defensive personnel.
Browns reporter Daryl Ruiter also reacted to the contrast, writing on X: “Oh look, Tyler Shough was asked about the #Browns defense and he wasn’t a (expletive) about it….”
One fan summed up the comparison with a short response: “Night and day.”
Sanders had already drawn attention earlier in the week after being questioned about his decision to sign with an agent during the season. The quarterback appeared irritated by the subject and responded: “What that got to do with this game?” He added: “I'm focused on this game. Anything else really don't matter at this point.”
The exchanges have renewed discussion about how Sanders handles media attention, although the reaction from some supporters has become a separate issue from the quarterback's own answers.
His opportunity to change the conversation will arrive on Sunday. Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following Cleveland's November 1 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers .
The Browns subsequently confirmed Sanders would start against New Orleans, giving the second-year quarterback his first regular-season start of 2026.
Sanders previously started seven games during his rookie campaign in 2025, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He will now have another opportunity to demonstrate how much he has developed since that experience.
The Browns enter the matchup with a 5–3 record and need a strong performance to remain in contention in the AFC North. The Saints, meanwhile, will be looking to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Cleveland's quarterback situation.
For Sanders, the immediate challenge is preparing for a demanding game while the conversation around him continues to grow.
Whether he can keep the focus on football, rather than the latest dispute involving his supporters and the media, will be another part of the spotlight awaiting him in New Orleans.
