This is what happens when sports coverage collapses into celebrity worship. When performance takes a backseat to perception. When being marketable suddenly equals being historic. Perkins didn’t just go overboard — he jumped straight into the ocean.

Let’s be clear: Shedeur Sanders may very well become a solid starter. He has tools, confidence, and the benefit of NFL bloodlines. But calling him one of the most powerful Black men in America is embarrassing to say out loud. Powerful how? Through what actions? Who’s he leading? What has he built? What systemic change has happened because of him?

Being famous is not being powerful. Power is influence with substance. Power is consequence — decisions that affect lives. Obama made decisions that shaped the nation. Shedeur just started one NFL game. Let’s stop pretending those belong in the same sentence.

Here’s what’s really going on:

The celebrity narrative around Shedeur has turned into a protective bubble.

Every critique is seen as hate. Every decent stat line becomes “legendary.”

Some media personalities are so eager to elevate the Sanders brand that they’ve stopped analyzing football altogether.

And if we’re honest, that bias wouldn’t exist if roles were reversed. Gabriel doesn’t get that treatment. Other young quarterbacks don’t get shielded this way. They don’t get called powerful — they get called projects. They get criticized, fairly or unfairly. Shedeur, though? He’s treated like a chosen one.

Kendrick Perkins calling Shedeur Sanders the most powerful Black man since Obama isn’t just over the top — it waters down what actual power means. It tells young fans that visibility matters more than responsibility. That being talked about is the same as being accomplished. That being Deion’s son gives you historic relevance the moment you get drafted.

That’s not leadership. That’s called marketing.

And ironically, it only puts more pressure on Shedeur. It sets him up to fail by inflating expectations beyond reality. If anything, this kind of hype is the enemy of development. The kid needs time. He needs reps. He needs to learn the profession one day at a time.

Let Shedeur be a quarterback. Let him earn power through work, not headlines.

Calling him the most powerful Black man in America doesn’t lift him up — it cheapens what power actually is.

Stop trying to crown him. Let him grow.

Because greatness isn’t declared. It’s built brick by brick, day by day.

One viral post summed up the hysteria:

“This is nothing but a conspiracy against Shedeur. There is ZERO justification to keep Gabriel as the starter. The owner is MASSIVELY complicit and so is this idiot Stefanski. Nobody can defend starting Gabriel now — especially with a bye to prep.”

Let’s be clear: there is no conspiracy. None.

This is football, not a Netflix script. Coaches aren’t risking their careers because of secret agendas or favoritism. They play who gives them the best chance to win — or at least, the one who’s ready to handle NFL speed, timing, and responsibility. Shedeur Sanders may eventually become that guy. But right now, he’s not.

The Browns see him every day. They’ve watched every rep, every read, every snap in practice. The fans — many of whom think life works like a highlight reel — see curated clips and family branding. NFL coaches see command of the playbook, protections, and the ability to diagnose disguised coverage at full speed. There’s a big difference.

What’s made this worse is the tone of coverage coming from certain corners of the media. Too many podcasters and commentators are treating Shedeur like a symbol instead of a prospect. They’re defending him as if he’s being “held back” rather than developing. The irony? If the roles were reversed — if Gabriel were the rookie waiting and Sanders were the starter — those same voices wouldn’t offer the same grace. They’d say the backup needs to wait his turn, earn it, and be ready when called upon.

This isn’t about social status. It’s about readiness.

Shedeur Sanders has tools, confidence, and talent. Nobody is denying that. But Cleveland has invested too much in this roster to toss him out there just to prove a point to social media. This isn’t Boulder anymore — it’s the NFL, where defenses disguise blitzes, and patience still matters.

There’s nothing wrong with believing in Shedeur’s future. But there’s something delusional about insisting a player who hasn’t earned the job is being sabotaged. The Browns aren’t hiding a superstar. They’re developing a quarterback. And that’s not a conspiracy — that’s just what it is.

Sanders, once considered a potential first- or second-round talent, had been passed over for more than 140 selections. Many analysts, including NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, had projected Sanders to the Browns on Day 2. Instead, Cleveland waited until early in Day 3 to make their move.

Ironically, Sanders is not even the first quarterback the Browns selected this draft — Cleveland also took Dillon Gabriel out of Oregon in the third round. With Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett already on the roster, the Browns now find themselves with a crowded and unpredictable quarterback room.

How the competition will shake out is anyone’s guess. Flacco offers veteran leadership, Pickett is still trying to revive his young career, Gabriel brings mobility and upside, and Sanders — despite his tumble — arrives with the same polished arm and poise that made him a star at Colorado.

For Sanders, the slide might sting now, but Cleveland could offer a valuable opportunity. With no entrenched long-term starter in place, the door is wide open for him to carve out a role and prove doubters wrong.

Most importantly for Sanders: the long, painful wait is finally over.

Cleveland ruined the relationship with Mayfield after openly inquiring on availability of Deshaun Watson. There was no choice but to move on from Mayfield who at this point in his career is a decent starter but not a franchise QB.

Here is the news:

The Browns have found a new team for Baker Mayfield. Cleveland is trading the quarterback to the Panthers for a conditional fifth-round pick

This trade may backfire in the Browns face as Watson’s contract is fully guaranteed but we’ll see.

Here is the news on Deshaun Watson’s possible one year suspension:

The NFL will argue that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson should receive a “significant” suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, multiple people familiar with the case said Friday.

The league “probably” will seek a suspension of one full season for Watson, a person on Watson’s side of the case said Friday. A person familiar with the league’s view of the case cautioned to be “careful” about specifying a precise length at this point for the suspension the NFL will seek. But that person also said: “Significant would be the proper term.”

We’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out. If there even is a season!

Patriots were the only team to make an offer to Cam Newton. But there as one other team that checked in with him.

: https://t.co/DNOemoWSA9 pic.twitter.com/skg5oN6fun

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 29, 2020

Gone is all the ‘CLEVELAND’ branding and everything has been stripped back to the basics. Very nice. Now let’s see if Baker can break the curse and deliver a championship in this uniform set.

True to ourselves.
True to our loyal fans.
True to who we’ll always be.https://t.co/VwRW3sfRSx pic.twitter.com/HbQYZQEu9N

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 15, 2020

A closer look at our new threads

’s » https://t.co/uF9Bv7jg80 pic.twitter.com/SZtgMYqtuu

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 15, 2020

So what does this mean for the NFL?

The Browns are going for it. They have/had a lot of money to play with this offseason and decided to let the checks fly. Rumors are that they will be offering another big contract before the week is up. The 2017 Philadelphia & 2018 LA Rams playbook is getting copycatted in the AFC now.

The Giants are officially rebuilding/restructuring around Eli for yet another season. I doubt that Gettleman’s term ends on good terms with the fans if things continue this way.

What if your team is struggling? Well, then draft season comes early. Check out what draft expert CowboysFan thinks your squad will do in his new 2019 NFL mock draft below!

1. Cardinals: Jonah Williams OT Alabama

The Cardinals need to find a way to protect Josh Rosen. You want to surround him with talent on O line and at WR. Sure I think Nick Bosa is a better player right now, but Jonah Williams isn’t a bad pick either. Williams has been a long time starter for Bama, and has obviously helped pave the way for the Bama ground game, but due to the emergence of Tua, we have seen him as a pass protector. His massive frame allows him to anchor with ease, and has great technique pushing rushers wide and away from the QB. No it’s not flashy, and no he’s not going to get stats, but if Josh Rosen ends up with 4000 yards passing next year, Williams will be a key reason why.

2. 49ers: Nick Bosa DE Ohio State

The 49ers just need to add talent all around. They do have Buckner, and have added Fred Warner, which has helped them, but adding an edge rusher like Bosa is a big deal. Bosa has natural bend and quickness as a pass rusher. He has an NFL body type. I have a higher grade than I had his brother, and I was very high on Joey. Bosa may have to answer questions about injury, and why he declined to play this season, but I don’t doubt his passion for the game.

3. Raiders: Quinnen Williams DT Alabama

Quinnen Williams is a big guy at 6’4″ 290 lbs. He’s both strong and quick for a guy his size. I’ve heard Dane Brugler compare him to Gerald McCoy. While I wouldn’t go that far, it’s not hard to see the potential this guy has. He is so fast off the line OG don’t really have the time to set up their blocks. He could improve as a run defender though. He isn’t bad, but you can see him being a little too eager to pass rush, he will abandon his assignment.

4. Giants: Greg Little OT Ole Miss

In this mock Justin Herbert returns to school which is why you see an OT here. Getting Greg Little, a talented and large OT to help pave the road for Saquon, and being the blindside protector of the heir apparent. Sure you want a QB here, but why reach and make things hard. Take a guy who can help your QB and be a big piece going forward.

5. Bills: Ed Oliver DT Houston

The Bills are still looking to replace a few guys they’ve lost. They need to surround their young QB with talent. I do not think there are many guys worth a first round pick at WR especially this early. Oliver is a player who can play inside or outside at the next level. He’s physical, quick, and strong. He is equally good in run and pass defense. I would love for the Bills to get this player and build around him.

6. Browns: Byron Murphy CB Washington

Byron Murphy Washington Murphy is the next in line to come out of the new DBU. Byron isn’t the biggest guy, but don’t let it fool you into believing he can’t or won’t tackle. He is very physical, even though he’s only around 185 lbs. Exceptional coverage skills, allow him to put WR on lockdown, and with the size to hang around with some TEs. Browns were criticized for taking Ward last year, well they add another guy to that secondary in Murphy who can be the opposite WR.

7. Jets: Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson

The Jets are another team that simply needs to add talent, and Ferrell is one who can add pass rush outside and let Williams wreak havoc inside. Ferrell is an elite pass rusher, who is also a good run defender. He’s simply good all around. He isn’t small, and he can win with power and finesse.

8. Colts: Greedy Williams CB LSU

By year’s end the race to be the top DB will come down to Williams and Murphy. In this scenario Murphy edges out Greedy. Greedy is an elite cover corner with speed. He’s also around 6’2″ which gives him much needed size outside. He excels in man, has good turn of direction skills. His weaknesses are that he is quite light and isn’t really physical as a tackler or run defender. But if you just want coverage guys he’s your man. The Colts can really bolster their defense with this pick. Sure O line could be an option, but I don’t really have an O lineman that’s similar in talent to Greedy left.

9. Falcons: Deandre Baker CB Georgia

Falcons have been comprimised on defense through a lot of injuries. Adding a guy like Baker can help mitigate some of that with his play. They already have Trufant, but there is nothing wrong with Baker. Baker is only about 5’10”, but his tackling ability are second to none in this class. He’s a coverage corner who can be excellent in zone or man, which is highly beneficial to a Falcons defense that takes pride in flexibility. The issue for Baker will be size, but also his lack of athletic ability, I don’t think he’s that fast. Neither was Desmond King and look how that turned out. Chargers got a first round talent in round 5, and everyone in the league is scratching their heads.

10. Buccaneers: Deionte Thompson S Alabama

6’2″ 195 lbs. The Bucs are a mess defensively, currently the worst defense in the league. Thompson will help Tampa use the cover 2 they covet. Thompson is a free range safety, able to go from sideline to sideline and makes use of his coverage skills to make plays on the ball. He can be a bit wild as a tackler, throwing his body around which could cause injury. He can play in the box or out in coverage, which gives him the ability to be a force as a defender.

Here are the details:

The Browns made the move official on Wednesday morning.

“Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that’s all you can ask for as a coach,” Hue Jackson said in a statement. “He was a leader on and off the field. I wish him all the best as he continues his career.”

The #Steelers are signing CB Joe Haden to a 3-year, $27m contract, source said. $7m guaranteed in year 1.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017

The future would be very scary if Cleveland didn’t manage to draft Deshone Kizer.