But Sanders, who was built for adversity by his Hall of Fame dad and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, christened himself a Brown by plunging into the pool in their Dallas backyard shortly after the pick, sprinting past the word “Legendary” scrawled on a retaining wall and stopping just short of the enormous Proverbs 3: 5-6 at the far end of the pool.

The Cleveland Browns selected the former Colorado quarterback in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, ending Sanders' long wait. Sanders entered the draft as one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects, with many projecting him to go in the first or second round.

Along with Sanders, the Browns also have fellow quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. Cleveland also still has Deshaun Watson, but the former Pro Bowler's 2025 season is in jeopardy after he reinjured his Achilles back in January.