Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Switches to Iconic No. 2 Jersey

The former Colorado star will wear his college number as he looks to build on a promising rookie season in Cleveland.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:58am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in a No. 2 jersey from multiple angles, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the dynamism of the sport.Shedeur Sanders' switch to the iconic No. 2 jersey signals his desire to make his mark on the Browns' quarterback competition.Jackson Today

Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback, is switching his jersey number from 12 to 2 for the 2026 NFL season. Sanders wore the No. 2 jersey during his college career at Jackson State and Colorado, and is now returning to that iconic number after wearing 12 as a rookie. The move comes after the previous No. 2 wearer, wide receiver DeAndre Carter, departed the team. Sanders is looking to build on a strong finish to the 2025 season, when he took over as the starting QB late in the year.

Why it matters

Sanders' number change is a symbolic reconnection to his college roots and a chance to establish his own identity with the Browns. As the team faces an open quarterback competition heading into 2026, Sanders will look to cement his status as the long-term starter by reclaiming the number he's worn throughout his career.

The details

After wearing No. 12 as a rookie, Sanders is switching to the No. 2 jersey he donned at both Jackson State and Colorado. The number change comes after the previous No. 2, wide receiver DeAndre Carter, departed the Browns. Sanders took over as Cleveland's starting QB late in the 2025 season and went 3-4 in his seven starts, providing hope for the future. However, with Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel also in the mix, Sanders will have to earn the starting job again under new head coach Todd Monken.

  • Shedeur Sanders wore No. 2 at Jackson State University before transferring to Colorado.
  • Sanders wore No. 12 during his rookie NFL season with the Browns in 2025.
  • The Browns announced Sanders' number change to No. 2 for the 2026 season.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback who is switching his jersey number from 12 to 2, the same number he wore in college at Jackson State and Colorado.

Deion Sanders

Shedeur Sanders' father, who is the head coach at the University of Colorado, where Shedeur played before being drafted by the Browns.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who has said there will be an open quarterback competition heading into the 2026 season.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran quarterback who is back with the Browns after a turbulent tenure in Cleveland.

Dillon Gabriel

The Browns' 2025 second-round draft pick, who started games at quarterback for Cleveland last season before Shedeur Sanders took over.

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What they’re saying

“There will be an open quarterback competition heading into the team's offseason program.”

— Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns Head Coach

What’s next

The Browns will hold an open quarterback competition during the offseason program, with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel all vying for the starting job under new head coach Todd Monken.

The takeaway

Shedeur Sanders' number change to the iconic No. 2 jersey symbolizes his desire to make his own mark on the Browns franchise. After a promising finish to his rookie season, Sanders will have to earn the starting job again, but the number switch shows his commitment to building on that momentum and establishing himself as Cleveland's long-term answer at quarterback.