Additional Coverage:
Shilo Sanders’ recent remarks targeting Cleveland Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot have sparked significant controversy and are raising questions about the impact on his brother, Shedeur Sanders.
The incident began when Cabot, a seasoned Browns reporter since 1988, posted an Instagram video urging the team to name Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback over Shedeur. Cabot stated, “I think they should declare [Watson] QB1 asap and let the first-team offense start to cook,” adding, “There’s no time to waste.”
In response, Shilo Sanders posted the dismissive and widely criticized comment: “Go make a sandwich Mary.”
This remark quickly drew backlash, seen by many as misogynistic, and it arguably does no favors for Shedeur’s public image. Shilo later addressed the fallout during a Twitch livestream, doubling down on his stance.
He accused Cabot of bias, saying, “If you’re gonna be a reporter, then report facts. Whenever you have your opinion, and your opinion is always something hateful to Shedeur, then it seems like there’s something weird.
Like there’s an agenda you have going on.”
Shilo’s claim echoes a narrative frequently voiced by Shedeur’s supporters-that criticism directed at him is rooted in unfair bias or even racism. This perspective has been highlighted by various media figures and former players following Shedeur’s unexpected fall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark suggested that doubts about Shedeur’s position were sometimes influenced by racial bias. Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson alleged the NFL discouraged teams from drafting him, while commentator Skip Bayless pointed to “racist undertones” in the league’s decision-making.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith compared Shedeur’s situation to Colin Kaepernick’s, suggesting he was being blackballed.
Even former MVP Cam Newton publicly accused the Browns’ then-head coach of undermining Shedeur’s chances.
While these claims have fueled discussions about race and fairness in the NFL, critics argue that portraying all scrutiny as hateful or agenda-driven is unfounded. Comparing Shedeur’s fanbase reaction to similar responses seen with other athletes, some say it fosters a victim mentality and dismisses legitimate performance-based criticism.
Looking strictly at Shedeur’s on-field performance, facts reveal a challenging rookie season. Among 42 eligible NFL quarterbacks in 2025, Shedeur ranked 41st in passer rating, threw more interceptions than touchdowns, and posted one of the lowest QBRs in league history-statistics that hardly justify an unquestioned starting role. Despite this, he was named to the Pro Bowl, a decision that many have questioned.
Shilo’s defensive posture extends to disparaging female reporters who critique Shedeur, claiming some lack thorough research and professionalism. Yet, Mary Kay Cabot responded with professionalism, emphasizing her role as a trailblazer for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. On Cleveland’s 92.3 The Fan, she stated, “I believe I’m an inspiration for lots of women and young girls that you can go out there and do a good job in man’s world.”
Ultimately, Shilo Sanders’ confrontational remarks risk overshadowing his brother’s career and adding unnecessary distraction. As Shedeur works to establish himself in the NFL, such controversies are unlikely to help his cause. It remains to be seen whether Shilo will reconsider his approach moving forward.