Maxx Crosby Reflects on Shedeur Sanders’ Journey from “Chubby Kid” to NFL Quarterback

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby recently opened up about Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his remarkable journey from childhood to his first NFL victory. Crosby described Sanders’ rise as “incredible” and expressed pride in the young quarterback’s development.

Longstanding Connection

Crosby shared his thoughts during the latest episode of Let’s Go! with Matthew Stafford, Peter King, and Jim Gray. His comments came shortly after Cleveland’s 24-10 victory over the Raiders in Week 12, marking Sanders’ first NFL start.

“Shedeur, I’ve got to give him credit. He’s like a little brother to me,” Crosby said. “During the whole draft process, we were on FaceTime all the time, just trying to help him as much as I possibly can. I remember when he was a little kid, he was a little chubby kid. And nobody really thought he was going to be the one out of the whole Sanders group of kids, but he ended up being that kid. I’m proud of him, man.”

Sanders’ Historic Debut

The 23-year-old rookie became the first Browns quarterback to win his debut since Eric Zeier in 1999, ending a 17-game losing streak for Cleveland rookie quarterbacks. In the game, Sanders threw for 209 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and one sack, completing 11 of 20 passes for an 87.3 passer rating.

His performance not only helped Cleveland snap a three-game losing streak but also improved the Browns’ record to 3-8. Meanwhile, the Raiders fell to 2-9, extending their losing streak to five games.

Respect Amidst Challenges

Crosby highlighted the pressure Sanders faces, both due to his name and expectations surrounding it. “Obviously he takes a lot of heat. He’s got that name and it carries a lot of weight, but I feel like he’s handled himself well,” Crosby said. “No matter what, regardless of what happened between the lines when I was trying to rip his head off — and did a couple of times — I’m happy for him. I’ve got a ton of respect for him and I wish him the best.”

Deep Roots with the Sanders Family

Crosby’s connection with the Sanders family runs deep. His brother, Myles Crosby, was college roommates and teammates at SMU with Deion Sanders Jr., the eldest son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. This relationship allowed Maxx to know Shedeur from an early age, further strengthening their bond.

Poise and Leadership

Drafted 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders has been praised for his poise and leadership throughout his rookie season. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski lauded Sanders’ composure and ability to execute under pressure following the Week 12 win.

The Browns aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers (8-4) next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. The Raiders, meanwhile, will visit the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at 4:25 p.m. ET as they continue searching for stability amid their struggles.

Mentorship Beyond the Field

Despite being one of the league’s top defensive players, Crosby emphasized that his respect for Sanders goes beyond on-field competition. Finishing the game with eight tackles and five stuffs, Crosby has remained in close contact with Sanders since draft season, continuing to mentor him as he adjusts to life in the NFL.

Their story highlights not only the growth of a young quarterback but also the power of mentorship, friendship, and perseverance in professional football.