Browns Rookie Shedeur Sanders Gets Jersey No. 12

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will begin his professional NFL career this fall wearing jersey number 12.

The team recently released the assigned numbers for their newcomers, revealing that Sanders, known for wearing number 2 throughout his college career, will sport a different digit as he joins the ranks of the National Football League.

Introducing Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders arrives in the NFL after a notable college football career that saw him play for both Jackson State University and the University of Colorado. As the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has long been in the spotlight. His time at Colorado, particularly under his father’s coaching, brought significant national attention, showcasing his skills as a signal-caller and making him a prominent figure heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Jersey Number Assignment

The Cleveland Browns officially announced the jersey numbers for their incoming players on Tuesday. As part of this list, it was confirmed that Shedeur Sanders has been assigned the number 12. This assignment means he will not be wearing the number 2, which has become synonymous with him throughout his football journey. For NFL rookies, initial number assignments are typically made as they join the team for minicamps and offseason activities.

Why Not Number 2?

The reason Shedeur Sanders will not wear his signature number 2 is straightforward: it is already taken by a veteran member of the Cleveland Browns roster. Wide receiver DeAndre Carter, who joined the team this year after spending time with the Chicago Bears practice squad in 2024, currently holds jersey number 2.

Entering his ninth season in the NFL, Carter’s seniority with the team and in the league likely factored into his ability to retain the number, as veteran players often have priority in number selection when multiple players desire the same digit. Carter has worn a variety of numbers during his career with different teams, including 1, 3, 11, 14, 16, 19, and 82.

Sanders’ History with the Deuce

Number 2 has been Shedeur Sanders’ preferred jersey number throughout his entire football career, from his high school days through his time at Jackson State and Colorado. The number holds significant personal meaning for him and has been part of his athletic brand.

At the University of Colorado, his connection to the number was cemented when, prior to the spring game in April, both his number 2 and teammate Travis Hunter’s number 12 were retired by the university, honoring their contributions to the program.

Provisional Rookie Numbers

It’s important to note that the jersey numbers assigned to rookies upon their arrival for minicamps and early offseason activities are often provisional. The Cleveland Browns indicated as much, stating that the numbers the rookies “will be rocking… throughout camp are subject to change before the season.”

This means there is a possibility, though not a guarantee, that Shedeur Sanders’ number could change again before the start of the regular NFL season, potentially if number 2 were to become available or if other number reassignments occur within the roster.

NFL Draft Context

Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His selection in the fifth round was noted by some analysts as a “surprising draft slide,” with some having projected him to be taken earlier in the draft based on his college performance. His four seasons of college football, split between Jackson State (where he played under his father) and Colorado, provided him with extensive experience, but his final draft position places him as a developmental prospect for the Browns.

The Browns Quarterback Room

As Shedeur Sanders joins the Cleveland Browns, he enters a quarterback room that already includes established players. The team’s depth chart is currently headed by veteran starter Deshaun Watson.

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who had a successful late-season run with the team in the previous season, is also on the roster, providing experienced depth. Sanders is one of two rookie quarterbacks added by the Browns through the draft, joining Dillon Gabriel, who was selected earlier and will wear jersey number 5. Sanders will likely compete with Gabriel and learn from the veterans as he transitions to the professional level.

First Public Appearance

Fans will get their initial look at Shedeur Sanders wearing his assigned number 12 when the Cleveland Browns hold their rookie minicamp. This minicamp, typically featuring draft picks and undrafted free agents, is scheduled to run from Friday through Sunday. It provides the first opportunity for the new players to work with team coaches, learn the playbook basics, and make an initial impression in the team’s practice gear featuring their assigned numbers.

A New Number for the Rookie

The assignment of jersey number 12 to Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is a minor but notable detail as he embarks on his NFL career. While he won’t be wearing his familiar number 2 due to veteran DeAndre Carter holding the number, this initial assignment is common for rookies and could potentially change before the season.

As Sanders joins the Browns’ quarterback room following his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, his debut in the team’s colors, sporting number 12, will be a key focus for fans at the upcoming rookie minicamp, marking the official start of his professional journey.