In a highly anticipated matchup, rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward will face off on March 17, 2024, as the Cleveland Browns host the Tennessee Titans. This game marks the first professional meeting between two of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, both of whom are navigating challenging rookie seasons.
The prelude to this clash was marked by a friendly rivalry that began during their college careers. Sanders and Ward, who have been training together since 2022, engaged in light-hearted banter during a recent predraft workout at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “They gave you a completion percentage award because all you did was throw checkdowns and bubble screens,” Ward jokingly teased Sanders. The camaraderie between the two has played a crucial role in their development as they transitioned to the NFL.
Rising Stars with Distinct Paths
Ward, a zero-star recruit from West Columbia, Texas, initially played at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State and finishing his collegiate career at Miami. In contrast, Sanders was a four-star recruit who started at Jackson State under his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, before moving to Colorado to complete his final two seasons.
Both quarterbacks emerged as top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Ward being selected first overall by the Titans and Sanders landing at No. 144 in the fifth round. Their journeys have been marked by significant challenges; Ward has struggled with a lack of support on the field, while Sanders has been working his way up the Browns’ depth chart.
“Cam’s competitive; it’s always fun training with him,” Sanders stated. Despite their fierce rivalry, there’s a mutual respect that underpins their relationship. They continue to push each other towards success, thanks in part to their shared personal QB coach, Darrell Colbert Jr., who has been instrumental in their growth as quarterbacks.
Training, Challenges, and Growth
Colbert, who started training quarterbacks after his playing career, first connected with Sanders through his older brother, Deion Sanders Jr.. He began working with Shedeur when he was just a junior in high school, forming a crucial bond that would support his development. Similarly, Colbert began training Ward at the behest of the quarterback’s father, Calvin Ward, leading to a productive training partnership between the two quarterbacks.
Their training sessions have been intense and filled with competition, pushing both Sanders and Ward to improve. Colbert noted, “I knew both of these guys were very competitive. That brings so much more to the training session.” Their bond has grown from being mere acquaintances to friends with a shared goal of excelling in the NFL.
Despite their off-field friendship, their performances on the field have diverged significantly. Ward’s rookie season has been tumultuous; he has faced the harsh reality of being sacked 48 times, more than any other quarterback in the league. His statistics reflect the struggle, with a completion rate of 59.7% from 412 attempts, resulting in 2,351 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions.
In contrast, Sanders made history by becoming the first Browns quarterback since 1995 to win his first NFL start. While his numbers are still developing, he has shown promise, completing 50.8% of his passes for 405 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed confidence in Sanders, emphasizing the importance of his continued growth.
As they prepare for their upcoming game, the stakes are high for both quarterbacks. The match will not only have implications for their respective teams’ futures but could also influence their standings in the draft order. A loss for the Titans would increase their chances of securing the No. 1 pick from 47.3% to 66%, while a loss for the Browns would elevate their odds from 7.5% to 14%.
Both players have expressed their determination to make the most of their rookie seasons. “Every time I step on the field, I know I’m proving myself right,” Ward remarked. As they take to the field on Sunday, the spotlight will be on their performances, showcasing not only their individual talents but also the bond that has developed over the years.
For Colbert, watching his two protégé quarterbacks face off in the NFL is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “These are things that they talked about,” he said. “Being able to put them together and train for all these years, now on this big stage in the NFL, is a blessing.” As the game approaches, both Sanders and Ward are poised to demonstrate their skills and resilience in front of a national audience.
