The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback will sport jersey No. 12, the team announced Tuesday.
The number, of course, was famously worn by future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who served as a mentor to Sanders. The New England Patriots retired Brady’s jersey number when he was enshrined into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2024.
In Cleveland, the jersey number was open for the taking. Former Browns players who’ve donned No. 12 include quarterbacks Vinny Testaverde, Colt McCoy, Jeff Driskel and wide receiver Josh Gordon.
Browns rookie third-round pick quarterback Dillon Gabriel will wear No. 5.
Sanders fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His fall became the story of this year’s draft. USA TODAY Sports explored why Sanders dropped to a day-three pick.
The Colorado product is set to compete with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Gabriel for the Browns starting quarterback job. Deshaun Watson, who started seven games behind center last year, is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury.