Latest news with #GardenValleyFunFest
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Shedeur Sanders helps organize community event after East Cleveland fire
Shedeur Sanders is doing his part to ingratiate himself with his new neighbors. Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round rookie quarterback, helped organize and hosted a community event in East Cleveland on Wednesday, according to ESPN. One of the main goals of the event was to bring together the community after an explosion and fire at an apartment complex in late June killed one man and destroyed more than 40 units. The Garden Valley Fun Fest included free food from food trucks, free haircuts, games and other activities. Sanders, along with Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., reportedly took pictures and chatted with fans for hours before putting together "an impromptu game of football with kids." SHEDEUR SANDERS: Shane Gillis roasts Colorado QB over jersey number retirement during ESPYS "I just wanted a day for everybody to get out here and have some type of enjoyment, excitement, bring just the family atmosphere back," Sanders said, according to News 5 Cleveland. The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft in late April. He said on his introductory press conference call shortly after the Browns drafted him that "I'll be more involved in the community." He's making good on that promise before he has even played a snap. Sanders is expected to battle for the Browns' starting quarterback job throughout training camp and the preseason. He's one of five quarterbacks Cleveland has on its roster, along with veterans Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett, plus fellow rookie and 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. The Browns' rookies are due to report to training camp Friday, with veterans to follow suit on Tuesday, July 22.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Shedeur Sanders hosts event for Cleveland community after fire tragedy
Despite an up-and-down offseason that included a draft slide, a quarterback competition, speeding tickets and an ESPYS roast, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has not lost sight of one of the goals he set when he got drafted. That promise was to help out the local Cleveland community, and Sanders has fulfilled it more than once. After dozens of families were displaced from their Cleveland-area apartments following an explosion, Sanders helped host the Garden Valley Fun Fest. The event brought free food trucks, haircuts, and activities to a community that desperately needed a distraction. Sanders heard the tragic news on social media and knew he wanted to help. "When everything transpires, i was out of town, so I was like, 'Nah, the first thing I do when I get back is definitely come to the commnity," Sanders told ABC News 5 Cleveland. "This is just off an Instagram DM...I was like 'Dang that's crazy,' and I just wanted a day for eveybody to get out here and have some type of enjoyment, excitement, bring the family atmosphere back." Sanders could have donated to a fund like many athletes of his stature would do, but instead, it was important to him to show up for the community and go above and beyond to show his support. The former Colorado quarterback continues to show his character since becoming a Brown. In the spring, just a few weeks after he was drafted, Sanders visited Cleveland High School and spoke to students about being a professional athlete. He also hosted a workout for high school football players that made the day for several kids. For Colorado fans who have seen Sanders in and around the Boulder community over the past two years, this should come as no surprise; however, Cleveland fans are now experiencing firsthand the level of community engagement Sanders is involved in. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Shedeur Sanders Steps Up for Victims of Devastating Cleveland Fire
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Shedeur Sanders is currently gearing up for his first NFL training and preseason. He is also currently involved in a four-man quarterback battle to become the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. After going through a brutal slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was selected by the Browns in the fifth round. He had originally been projected to be a first or second round pick. Despite the draft slide, Sanders has maintained a great attitude. He seems genuinely thankful for the opportunity to play in the NFL and seems excited to be a member of the Cleveland franchise. BEREA, OHIO - MAY 09: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 09, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. ( BEREA, OHIO - MAY 09: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 09, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. ( Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images While most of the talk surrounding Sanders has been focused on football, he has already been making an impact on the community. Read more: Steelers, Aaron Rodgers Receive Ominous Prediction Entering 2025 Season Back on June 23, an explosion and fire took place at an apartment complex in Cleveland. Over 40 families were displaced due to the fire and five people were hospitalized because of it. Tragically, one man passed away after running back into the building to rescue his stepchildren. Sanders took some time to step up for the victims of the fire recently. While he could have simply donated money to help the people involved, Sanders chose to get active. He took part of the Garden Valley Fun Fest and gave back to the city of Cleveland. "When everything transpired, I was out of town, so I was like, 'Nah, the first thing I do when I get back is definitely come to the community,'" Sanders said. "This is just off an Instagram DM. I didn't really know about the situation; someone told me. I was like 'Dang that's crazy,' and I just wanted a day for everybody to get out here and have some type of enjoyment, excitement, bring just the family atmosphere back." He continued on, making a very strong statement. "Sending money and stuff, that's easy," he said. "But you have to actually go out there and be in the flesh." Read more: Browns' Shedeur Sanders Sends Cryptic 3-Word Message Before Training Camp During the pre-draft process, there were plenty of negative storylines surrounding Sanders. Some of them painted him out to be a self-centered and arrogant individual. These kinds of gestures paint a different picture of the Browns' rookie quarterback. Cleveland will begin training camp on July 18 when rookies report. Sanders will be a part of that group and will look to work hard to earn playing time during the 2025 season. For more Cleveland Browns and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
