A big reason this game is so intriguing is because it will mark the NFL debut of Sanders, who famously dropped all the way down to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft before the Browns swooped in to take him with the 144th overall pick .

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders doesn't deserve to be under the most pressure of any rookie this season. But by way of being a Sanders, experiencing a historic fall, landing in a dysfunctional organization, and bringing some headlines onto himself, the football world will be tuned into NFL Network on Thursday night.

A former No. 1 overall draft pick, Carolina quarterback Bryce Young was briefly benched during his second season in the NFL last year and now must prove his worth to coach Dave Canales. Simply put, that's why Young doesn't deem himself worthy of sharing any advice with Sanders ahead of his first preseason game.