"You can't fake influence" - NFL fans react as Shedeur Sanders makes waves among kids at Justin Hardee's football camp

Shedeur Sanders surprised many kids by unexpectedly showing up at former NFL cornerback Justin Hardee's youth football program on Saturday. The fifth-round draft pick led unscheduled drills and offered the kids some advice, bringing enthusiasm and good vibes to the occasion.

The public's enthusiasm around the Cleveland Browns quarterback as a role model for children at Hardee's event has spread through media and social platforms, where fans commended the rookie's accessibility and involvement.

Let's take a look at how some NFL fans have responded to Sanders showing up at Hardee's youth camp.

"Am I the only one that seen that kid go crazy when Shedeur dapped him up," one fan said.

"This is so great to see! A QB who has a genuine happiness to be here to represent the Browns. Win or lose, this type of positive energy is something the Browns and Cleveland need. The culture changes now," another fan said.

"Love the happiness Shedeur brings to the children. Stay focused. 🙏🏽," another fan said.

Most fans have responded positively to Sanders' involvement in youth camps, and some have even suggested that he has grown to be an influential figure in Cleveland.

"You can't fake influence. Those kids are so excited," one fan said.

"Keep being you! A lot of people, including adults, love how you hold on to your values, believe in yourself, and care about others. We love you Shedeur," a fan added.

"I absolutely love this!! Let them see you, hear you, most importantly touch you!! Little things make the biggest difference," one fan commented.

Moments like this will continue to shift public opinion in Sanders' favor, especially among the team's supporters. The former Colorado Buffaloes star's fan image will continue to grow as he gains more positive public appearances.

Shedeur Sanders has a tough path to QB1 in Cleveland but he's putting in the work

Shedeur Sanders is one of the four quarterbacks vying to start for the Cleveland Browns in 2025, but he may have the most challenging path because he was selected in the fifth round of this year's draft. He probably knows this already, so he's putting in serious work to gain some ground.

Sanders was reportedly the team's top quarterback at mandatory minicamp and OTAs, despite not getting any first-team snaps during those sessions.

The star quarterback led the team in drill completion percentage and touchdowns ahead of Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel during the team's five media-accessible practices, according to ESPN. Additionally, he repeatedly waited back after practices to work on his passes and get to know his new teammates better.

Sanders completed 70.1% of his throws for 14,353 yards and 134 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He will present head coach Kevin Stefanski a serious decision dilemma when it comes to choosing the Browns' starting quarterback in 2025 if he continues to impress his coaches through the preseason.