Browns QB Shedeur Sanders stumbles over question about Kevin Stefanski

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders made ripples across NFL media as he answered a question about his relationship with head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Sanders has a lot to clean up on the field and off the field if he wants a long career in the NFL. Sanders’ relationship with the organization's top brass has been heavily scrutinized since he was drafted, as the Browns’ war room wasn’t shown celebrating the pick. The Browns’ icy demeanor has been regarded with suspicion by Sanders’ camp. It was a cool change from the unrequited love Deion has shown toward him since high school. Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry are Sanders’ first decision makers who aren’t beholden to his father. It’s one of the reasons why the media and fans are so fascinated by the young quarterback’s relationship with management.

When a Browns beat writer asked Sanders a pointed question about his fans accusing Stefanski of sabotaging him, the young quarterback fumbled the answer. Sanders stated he doesn’t control his fans' behavior. While that answer may work for musicians and actors, who traffic in controversy, it's a poor answer for athletes and politicians. Staying on message is an essential trait for any leader. We have $250 million worth of evidence polluting the locker room for why quarterbacks should never make themselves controversial and bigger than the team. While some might think asking about fans is a low blow, I disagree. I think the outside noise is always in the field of play for reporters.

Now, Sanders’ fans are a fun and rambunctious group who fit in well in Cleveland. However, many of them must decide whether they’re fans of Shedeur or Deion. Some of them act like they want what’s best for Deion, which is highly understandable. There have been fewer players in NFL history as cool or as talented as Deion. He deserves fans for life. However, it’s unfair for Shedeur to inherit these fans who don't listen to him.

Ultimately, Shedeur is his own man, and he’ll walk his own path. Playing for the Browns is the first time in his life that he isn’t playing under his father. So far, Shedeur has found his footing. Last week’s broadcast crew announced that Sanders had been meeting privately with Stefanski multiple times a week since the season started. The two seem to get along well. Stefanski’s icy stare only melts for a handful of Browns veterans. He’s always been reliable to a group of players who seem to live and die with every moment. Sanders is now part of that group. Stefanski is the one who keeps them steady.

Sanders is approaching the game the right way. He’s always stated how he seeks criticism and areas to grow his game. Sanders is rapidly maturing, but it needs to happen quickly. The offseason is around the corner.  Sanders is a talented quarterback, and he’ll have the next six weeks to prove it. However, he’ll need to control the circus that follows him off the field as well. It’s an unfair situation for him, but it’s one he must address. It’s clearly affected how the NFL evaluated him. The rookie quarterback can turn things around with better message discipline.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns QB Shedeur Sanders talks relationship with Kevin Stefanski