Shedeur Sanders sends message to Trump after president blasted NFL owners for overlooking Browns QB

President Donald Trump's support for Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders hasn't gone unnoticed at the team's practice facility in Berea, Ohio.

'He's definitely been a supporter for a minute, so I'm just thankful for him even taking time out of his day to speak out his support,' the 23-year-old fifth-round pick told reporters on Wednesday.

University of Colorado coach Deion Sanders' son and former quarterback in Boulder, Shedeur plummeted from a projected first-round pick in April's draft amid questions over his attitude.

Even before the Browns ended that tumble on the third day of the draft, Trump was speaking out in support of the younger Sanders on social media.

'What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?' Trump wrote online. 'Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He's also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be 'picked' IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!'

And when Sanders won his first career start last week by completing 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the hapless Las Vegas Raiders, Trump was quick to boast: 'I TOLD YOU SO!'

'Shedeur Sanders was GREAT,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes.'

Sanders made his NFL debut a week earlier in relief of injured fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, but struggled during the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Not only was he sacked twice, but Sanders tossed a pick while completing just 4 of 16 passes over the second half.

Across two appearances, Sanders has completed just 41.7 percent of his passes, 5.6 percent of which have been intercepted. In fact, only the Minnesota Vikings' JJ McCarthy (6.3 percent) has a higher interception rate among NFL starting quarterbacks.

Sanders will be back under center on Sunday when the 3-8 Browns host the 8-4 San Francisco 49ers.