Former Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a unique connection during his NFL Preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns against the Carolina Panthers last Friday.
In a video caught on the sidelines during the game, Sanders is seen conversing with Brian Perry, a referee working during the game.
Sharing a laugh with Sanders, Perry asks him about his college debut game, to which the young quarterback responds against FAMU in the 2021 Orange Blossom Classic.
Shedeur’s ref for his NFL debut was the same ref for his college debut
(via @Browns) pic.twitter.com/3voiuZ4IQt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 13, 2025
Showing that life is full of remarkable coincidences, the veteran referee informs Sanders that he was working that game, to which he responds, “That’s crazy.”
Just like in his collegiate debut, in which he led Jackson State to a 7-6 win over Florida A&M, he was also victorious in his NFL Preseason debut.
Sanders quickly shook off an inconspicuous slow start, recording 138 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading the Browns to a 30-10 win.
