Shedeur Sanders offers rare praise for Joe Burrow and Tom Brady before discussing Lamar Jackson

In the world of college football, comparisons are inevitable, but Shedeur Sanders isn’t focused on the ones being made about him just yet. Following a dominant 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State, Sanders’ play reminded many of a young Joe Burrow during his unforgettable CFP Championship run. While Sanders is carving his own path to the NFL, it’s clear he’s studying the game’s greats, learning from their blueprints and mental toughness.

"Great minds think alike" is a fitting phrase for Shedeur Sanders, who’s carving his own path to the NFL. But it’s after he makes his mark that the true comparisons will emerge. Following the Colorado Buffaloes’ dominant 52-0 win over Oklahoma State, Sanders’ performance evoked memories of Joe Burrow’s stellar CFP Championship against Clemson.
Rather than idolizing Burrow and Brady for their fame, Sanders admires the successful blueprint they've created. In the December 10 episode of 2Legendary with Shedeur Sanders, the Buffs QB spoke highly of these NFL icons.
When asked about quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Burrow, Sanders instantly highlighted who stood out most to him.
“I would say Joe Burrow,” Sanders said, adding “I haven’t talked to him or anything like that but, I’m just saying that from afar, like the year that he had in college, I like what he was able to do. Because it’s not nothing glamoring about Joe Burrow besides he gets everything done.” After a brief pause, Sanders emphasized Burrow’s work ethic, suggesting that it’s his mentality, not just physical attributes, that sets him apart. (via: EssentiallySports)
For Sanders, Burrow’s reliance on intelligence and mental toughness is key. “Joe Burrow is more relatable to me because he wins with his mind. That’s what Joe Burrow and Tom Brady, like… A lot of guys were able to be more relatable to me personally because they are able to…. We all have similar attributes,” Sanders said, highlighting the similarity between Burrow and Tom Brady’s approaches.
Sanders showcased this mindset in his performance, 438 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT, mirroring Burrow’s CFP Championship stats. While raw talent is measurable, Sanders believes mental strength is what sets game-changers like Burrow and Brady apart.
He also admires Lamar Jackson, admitting there's something Jackson has that he feels he still lacks, reflecting his drive for growth.
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Sanders believes adopting Joe Burrow’s work ethic is a realistic goal for anyone, but when it comes to Lamar Jackson, he knows he’s in a league of his own. "Anything ‘realistic’ goes out the window with Lamar Jackson," Sanders admitted, explaining that no matter how much effort he puts in, he can’t replicate Jackson’s unique abilities.
While Burrow’s disciplined approach is something anyone can emulate, Jackson’s raw talent is in a category of its own. “He [Burrow] just developed a work habit and work ethic that anybody can develop, so he’s realistic versus, like, Lamar Jackson. Like, bro, you know how hard it is to do… I can try whatever I want to try. I could do all these workouts and I can never be Lamar Jackson because he’s special. He has his own category,” Sanders said. Jackson’s combination of speed, agility, and passing makes him truly special, something that’s not easily replicated, even by the most dedicated.