Shedeur Sanders ditches old jersey number for one that connects him to Tom Brady legacy for his Cleveland Browns journey

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room just got more interesting with the arrival of rookie Shedeur Sanders, who’s already making waves—not just for his draft position, but for the number he chose to wear. Just days after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders made a surprising jersey decision that has stirred curiosity and admiration across the football world.While many expected Shedeur Sanders to be off the board much earlier, the Browns took him with the 144th overall pick despite already having a crowded quarterback roster. His slide to the fifth round may have raised eyebrows, but it appears to have only fueled his motivation. Sanders now enters a competitive battle with four other quarterbacks—Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and others—for a chance to earn the coveted starting spot in Cleveland.His first major decision as a Brown came when jersey numbers were announced. Sanders, who wore No. 2 during his college days at Colorado, will now don No. 12—a number with layers of significance. Not only was No. 2 unavailable, having been claimed by newly signed wide receiver DeAndre Carter, but the new number appears to be a heartfelt nod to two important figures in Sanders’ life.On the surface, No. 12 might seem like a routine reassignment, but it carries weight in the world of football. "The Browns announced that Sanders has been issued No. 12 for his rookie season," the team confirmed. It’s the same number made iconic by Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion who has served as a mentor to Sanders in recent years. The connection between the two quarterbacks has been known, but this quiet tribute is a deeper acknowledgment of Brady’s influence.But there’s more to the story. The number also holds personal meaning for Sanders, as it mirrors the No. 21 jersey worn by his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—only in reverse. While his father’s legacy looms large, Shedeur’s decision to take No. 12 also connects him with former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter, who wore the number en route to winning the Heisman Trophy.From Brady to Deion to Hunter, No. 12 now symbolizes not just a new beginning, but a bridge between the mentors and peers who’ve shaped Shedeur’s journey so far.Though the odds may seem stacked against the rookie, the buzz surrounding his jersey number shows that Sanders is already making an impression. Whether he starts or not in his first season, he’s stepping onto the field with confidence, legacy, and inspiration stitched right into his uniform.Also Read: "I got through it": Ravens' Mike Green says NFL teams knew about sexual assault claims before the draft selection