I got to speak with WWE superstar and Cleveland native Mike “The Miz” Mizanin last week during a press tour ahead of the 2025 American Century Championship from July 11-13. We discussed Shedeur Sanders’ career with the Browns, and the circus that will follow with his father, Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders, keeping a watchful eye on his son, among other things.
Mizanin believes Coach Prime will be bringing a “good” circus to Cleveland with his critiques and opinions, since the Browns seemingly bring a more dysfunctional one every year anyway.
“It’s going to happen. We are no strangers to the circus,” Mizanin said. “We’ve had many years and many highlighted superstars that have come into the Browns organization, and we were able to handle it. I think we’ll be able to handle this as well. Hopefully, this can be a positive circus. Hopefully this generates attention to the Browns that’s in a positive light.”
When I asked the Miz about Shedeur’s potential, he was extremely bullish on the “Grown QB” acclimating well to the NFL in Cleveland.
“I do (think Shedeur can be the Browns’ QB1). I watched Shedeur in college and he seemed to be a natural leader. Great arm. I think he has a head for the game and the pressure that the game involves,” Mizanin said.
The Miz shared hopes for Joe Flacco and head coach Kevin Stefanski to help Sanders along as he grows into someone who can handle QB1 responsibilities one day.
He also endorsed GM Andrew Berry’s efforts so far in the front office.
“I think (Shedeur) needs time. Hopefully, Joe Flacco will be a good veteran and show him how to become what Joe has become, which is one of the best. The guy’s been to the Super Bowl, he’s won the Super Bowl, and just having that kind of brain, that kind of person around will be good for Shedeur,” Mizanin said.
"Kevin Stefanski is a great coach in developing young quarterbacks. He’s been through so many quarterbacks in the last couple of years and the Browns have been pretty successful in those years. He’s won coach of the year, and rightfully so. I think we’re in good hands. I think Andrew Berry knows what he’s doing. He’s put a lot of quarterbacks in the locker room and it’s good. It shows you have to fight for your job.”
Overall, Mizanin is high on Berry’s decision to bring Shedeur to Berea.
Even with all the “Prime Time” headlines that come with the territory.