Shedeur Sanders Changes Number for NFL Debut
Shedeur Sanders, known for wearing the number 2 during his high school and college years, will sport a new number in his professional NFL career.
The Browns announced the jersey numbers for their rookies, and Sanders will wear number 12.
Wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter, who was signed earlier in the offseason, chose number 2.
The choice of Sanders’ number is significant, as it was used by Tom Brady, seven-time Super Bowl champion, who has been a mentor to Sanders.
Sanders, selected in the 144th pick of the 2025 draft, will wear his new jersey number for the first time on Friday, when the Browns kick off their three-day rookie minicamp.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, former Oregon, Oklahoma, and UCF star, who was selected before Sanders at pick 94, will wear number 5.
Rookie numbers are subject to change, the Browns reported, but will be used throughout training camp.
Meanwhile, veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson chose number 16, marking the first time he will wear that number in the NFL.
His one-year contract with the Browns is for the veteran minimum of $1.7 million and does not include guaranteed money.
It’s a contract that carries little risk for the Browns, while Johnson, 28, will work to re-establish his value after going through three teams last season, after spending the first five seasons of his career with the Steelers.
