The Cleveland Browns confirmed Shedeur Sanders will return to his traditional No. 2 jersey for the 2026 season. The second-year quarterback wore No. 12 last year after DeAndre Carter held his preferred number. Carter's departure as a free agent allowed Sanders to reunite with the number he wore throughout high school and college, where Colorado retired his jersey last April.

Selected 144th in the 2025 NFL draft, Sanders started the final seven games for Cleveland, going 3-4. His father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, celebrated the number change with "Yes Lawd!" on social media. The 22-year-old faces competition from Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel for the starting quarterback position in 2026 following his promising rookie season performance.

Sanders marked the jersey change by posting "#2" on X alongside photos of himself in the new number. The significance extends beyond aesthetics – the number represents Sanders' football identity from his earliest days. His return to No. 2 signals continuity and comfort as he prepares to battle for Cleveland's starting quarterback job in training camp.