Shedeur Sanders Turns to Jalen Hurts for the NFL Secret Playbook to Pro Football Success — What the Eagles Superstar Told Him Could Change His Career Forever…
Cleveland, OH — Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is no stranger to pressure. From his high-profile transfer from Jackson State to Colorado, to his standout senior season that earned him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Sanders has spent his career in the spotlight. But as every first-year NFL quarterback knows, college accolades only open the door — they don’t guarantee success on Sundays.
That’s why Sanders recently reached out to one of the NFL’s most respected signal-callers: Philadelphia Eagles superstar Jalen Hurts.
Two Stars, Similar Paths
Despite their different backgrounds, Sanders and Hurts share a similar story.
Both were college football standouts — Hurts first made his mark at Alabama, then at Oklahoma, finishing as the 2019 Heisman Trophy runner-up. Sanders, meanwhile, carved his own path, finishing eighth in the 2024 Heisman voting and cementing his reputation as one of the most accurate and poised quarterbacks in the nation.
And yet, both faced draft-day reality checks. Hurts slipped to the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, while Sanders, despite a stellar résumé, did not hear his name called until Day 2 of the 2025 draft.
Hurts’ Blueprint for NFL Longevity
Sources close to the conversation say Sanders sought Hurts’ personal insight into adapting to the NFL — from mastering pro-level playbooks to building mental toughness against elite defenses.
“Jalen told him that the NFL is as much a mental game as it is physical,” one insider revealed. “He stressed that leadership, preparation, and staying consistent day after day are what separate starters from superstars.”
Hurts’ advice reportedly covered:
Film Study Mastery – Learning defensive schemes beyond the basics.
Body Recovery – Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and specialized training to stay healthy through a grueling 17-game season.
Team Chemistry – Building trust with the offensive line and receivers early, both on and off the field.
Resilience – Bouncing back from mistakes without letting them snowball into bigger problems.
Lessons from a Proven Winner
Hurts’ credibility is unquestionable. In just five NFL seasons, he’s:
Led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances in three years.
Won NFC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Earned a reputation as one of the league’s most unflappable leaders.
For Sanders, who’s currently battling for the Browns’ starting job, this mentorship could be career-defining.
Sanders’ Preseason Test
So far, Sanders has shown flashes of potential in training camp, impressing with quick reads and pinpoint throws. But with the Browns aiming to contend in the AFC, the rookie’s ability to translate Hurts’ wisdom into on-field execution will be under intense scrutiny.
“I’ve been blessed to learn from the best,” Sanders told reporters after a recent practice. “What Jalen shared with me wasn’t just about football — it was about life in this league. It’s about being a pro in every sense.”
The Bigger Picture
The conversation between Sanders and Hurts underscores a broader truth in the NFL — talent might get you drafted, but wisdom from those who have walked the path can shape a career.
For Browns fans, the hope is that this passing of knowledge helps Sanders not only survive his rookie season but thrive in it — perhaps even accelerating his journey from promising prospect to franchise cornerstone.
As one AFC scout put it: “If Shedeur takes Hurts’ advice to heart, we might be looking back on this moment as the turning point in his career.”
Next Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills — Preseason Week 2, Saturday, 7:00 PM ET.
Watch: NFL Network / Local TV
