In a moment that stunned the NFL community, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders broke down in tears during a press conference and delivered one of the most emotional and unexpected announcements of the 2025 NFL offseason. Fighting back tears, the rising star quarterback declared that he is taking an indefinite leave from football, citing overwhelming mental health struggles and a deep feeling that “everyone is against me.”
The emotional outpouring happened during what was initially expected to be a routine media session ahead of the Browns’ preseason training camp. But the mood shifted drastically when Sanders took the podium, clearly shaken, and struggled to maintain composure before revealing his shocking news.
“I’ve tried to fight it. I’ve tried to smile through it. But every day feels like a battle, and I’ve reached a point where I need to prioritize my mental and emotional health,” Sanders said. “It feels like every move I make is criticized, and it’s gotten to a place where I don’t feel like I can breathe.”
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has faced intense media scrutiny since entering the league. The spotlight, compounded by the pressures of leading a franchise with a fervent fan base like the Browns, has taken its toll. Though he showed promise last season with impressive performances that energized Cleveland’s offense, the weight of expectations and criticism appears to have come crashing down.
Sources inside the Browns’ organization said Sanders had been grappling with the decision for several weeks. Teammates reportedly noticed a change in his demeanor during OTAs, with several players describing him as “distant” and “visibly stressed.” Head coach Kevin Stefanski offered his full support following the announcement.
“Shedeur is not just a quarterback; he’s a human being dealing with something far bigger than football. We support him 100% and will give him all the time and resources he needs,” Stefanski said in a statement.
In the hours following the press conference, support poured in from across the sports world. Athletes, mental health advocates, and even rival players took to social media to express solidarity. “Proud of you for speaking up, bro,” one fellow NFL QB posted. “Takes courage most people don’t understand.”
Sanders has not set a timeline for his return, and it remains unclear how this will affect the Browns’ depth chart heading into the new season. Backup quarterback Cade McNamara is expected to take first-team reps for now, but team insiders insist the focus is squarely on Shedeur’s well-being.
Mental health conversations in the NFL have gained momentum in recent years, but Sanders’ raw and vulnerable moment has taken that dialogue to a new level. His breakdown was not a moment of weakness—it was a powerful act of courage in front of millions.
As the city of Cleveland processes this emotional revelation, one thing is certain: Shedeur Sanders’ honesty and vulnerability may have just changed the conversation around mental health in professional football forever.