Former Colorado star Shilo Sanders pulled off an unforgettable prank, impersonating his brother, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, at a Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game. This elaborate stunt not only captivated fans but also highlighted Shilo’s post-football entertainment pivot and fueled renewed conversations about Shedeur’s potential starting role for the struggling Browns.
In a move that perfectly blended humor with keen insight into the passionate world of NFL fandom, Shilo Sanders, the former Colorado Buffaloes safety, recently embarked on his most audacious stunt yet. Dressing up as his younger brother, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Shilo infiltrated a Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game, tricking numerous fans into believing they were interacting with the franchise’s potential future signal-caller.
The elaborate prank, meticulously documented on Shilo’s popular YouTube channel, showcased his commitment to the role. He went as far as growing out his beard to better resemble Shedeur and donned an authentic Browns uniform, complete with Shedeur’s No. 12 jersey, Browns shorts, an orange arm sleeve, and the iconic “legendary” chain that is a signature of the Sanders family brand. This detailed disguise led to a series of hilarious and insightful interactions with unsuspecting fans, many of whom voiced their fervent support for “Shedeur” to take the field.
A Brother’s Support and a Prankster’s Art
The inspiration behind the prank was twofold: Shilo’s genuine desire to support his brother, who was active for an NFL game for the first time in his career, and an opportunity to create engaging content for his rapidly growing YouTube audience. During the game, Shedeur Sanders was elevated to the No. 2 quarterback spot on the depth chart, behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, following the Browns’ trade of Joe Flacco. Despite not seeing any game time in the Browns’ 23-9 loss to the Steelers on October 12, 2025, Shilo playfully rated his brother’s sideline performance a “10 out of 10,” praising his movement and interaction with teammates.
The video captured a mix of reactions from fans. While some quickly recognized the elaborate charade, others were completely taken in, eagerly posing for photos and sharing their hopes for Shedeur’s future. These interactions often included fans expressing their love for Shedeur and their strong opinion that he should be the team’s starting quarterback over Dillon Gabriel, reflecting the widespread anticipation among the fanbase for the younger Sanders brother to get his chance.
Shilo’s Post-NFL Path: From Safety to Social Media Star
Shilo Sanders’ journey to social media stardom comes after a pivot from his professional football aspirations. After an impressive collegiate career with the Colorado Buffaloes, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in April 2025. However, his tenure was short-lived; he was waived in August 2025 after being ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch. A subsequent workout with the San Francisco 49ers in September did not result in a contract.
This turn of events led Shilo to shift his focus to his burgeoning YouTube channel, which now boasts over 200,000 subscribers. His father, legendary coach Deion Sanders, has openly supported Shilo’s diverse talents, even hinting at a potential career in acting. “Shilo’s a man of many talents,” Deion Sanders commented, emphasizing that all the Sanders children are prepared for success with or without football. This outlook underscores the family’s adaptability and media savvy, traits that Shilo is now leveraging in the digital entertainment space.
Shedeur’s Horizon: The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum
Meanwhile, the attention on Shedeur Sanders continues to build. While he did not play in the Browns’ Week 6 loss, his activation to the backup role signals a growing readiness for NFL action. The Browns, currently struggling with a 1-5 record, are closely watching Dillon Gabriel’s development as the starter. Through two starts, Gabriel has completed 57.3 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions, but the team’s overall performance has left room for speculation.
Should the Browns’ losing streak continue and Gabriel not show significant improvement, the possibility of Shedeur getting his chance as a starter before the season concludes becomes increasingly real. The fan sentiment, clearly articulated to Shilo during his prank, suggests a strong desire for Shedeur to prove himself on the field. If that moment arrives, Shilo will undoubtedly be there, likely with cameras rolling, to support his brother and capture more engaging content for his fans.
The Sanders Family Brand: Entertainment Beyond the Game
The Sanders family continues to demonstrate a unique ability to blend professional sports careers with mainstream entertainment. From Deion Sanders’ coaching prowess and media presence to Deion Sanders Jr.’s Well Off Media, which captures much of the family’s viral content, and now Shilo’s successful pivot to YouTube, their collective impact extends far beyond the gridiron. The prank by Shilo serves as a prime example of their understanding of public interest and their ability to consistently create buzz-worthy moments. This event not only offered fans a laugh but also provided a glimpse into the passionate support surrounding Shedeur’s rookie season and the multi-faceted talents of the entire Sanders clan. The video of Shilo Sanders dressing up as his brother to prank fans can be found on his YouTube channel, as detailed by Yahoo Sports. The Browns’ 23-9 loss to the Steelers and Shedeur’s backup status for the game was also widely reported, including by Yahoo Sports.
