'Dumbest of the three stooges,' Jason Whitelock takes swipe at Shilo Sanders for comments on Mary Kay Cabot

Jason Whitlock didn’t hold back Friday, labeling Shilo Sanders the “dumbest of the Sanders clan” after the former Colorado safety took public shots at veteran Cleveland Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot over her reporting on the team’s quarterback battle. The latest chapter in this offseason drama highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding Shedeur Sanders as he fights for the starting job in Cleveland.

Whitlock’s blunt critique underscores how family involvement can sometimes add unnecessary noise to an already high-stakes NFL situation. According to reports, Whitlock unleashed his thoughts during a recent segment, framing the Sanders brothers as modern-day “Three Stooges” with Shilo taking the top spot for questionable decisions.

It all started when Mary Kay Cabot, a respected Browns insider, shared her take on the quarterback competition. She suggested that Deshaun Watson, returning from injury, had the inside track and that the team should name him QB1 sooner rather than later to get the offense rolling. Shilo Sanders, never one to stay quiet when it comes to his brother’s career, fired back on social media with a dismissive “Go make a sandwich Mary.” He later doubled down on a livestream, accusing Cabot of letting emotions cloud her reporting and claiming her coverage showed bias against Shedeur.

To many observers, the remark carried unfortunate sexist undertones, especially coming from someone still building his own public profile. It quickly drew widespread criticism, including from analyst Emmanuel Acho.

1. Why Jason Whitlock’s Take Resonates

Whitlock, known for his no-nonsense commentary, zeroed in on the bigger picture. He argued that Shilo’s actions weren’t just ill-advised but actively harmful to Shedeur’s chances in Cleveland. “You know I call the Sanders boys the Three Stooges,” Whitlock said. “But the dumbest of the three Stooges is clearly Shilo Sanders. He’s picking fights and causing problems for his brother, attacking Mary Kay Cabot… It’s not smart. It’s just an attention grab for Shilo and in no way helps Shedeur. In fact, it just increases the circus around Shedeur.”

2. Background on the Browns QB Battle

Shedeur Sanders showed flashes as a rookie in 2025, starting seven games and throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 56.6% of his passes. Deshaun Watson, meanwhile, missed the entire 2025 season recovering from a re-ruptured Achilles. Yet Cabot and others see him as the veteran presence ready to stabilize the offense heading into 2026. Browns coach Todd Monken has tried to keep things diplomatic, emphasizing competition without eliminating anyone prematurely. But the public back-and-forth only adds pressure on Shedeur, who already carries the weight of massive expectations as Deion’s son and a high-profile draft pick. Shilo’s defense of his brother comes from a place of loyalty, no doubt. Growing up in the Sanders household, family first is more than a slogan. Yet Whitlock’s point lands because loyalty without wisdom can sometimes do more damage than good. As one insider put it, the last thing Shedeur needs is extra drama distracting from proving himself on the field. The fallout has been swift. Acho wasn’t the only voice calling out the approach. Multiple analysts highlighted how “make a sandwich” remark risks alienating key figures in the industry, especially women striving for respect in football. Cabot herself took the high road when asked about it, focusing on the positive impact she’s had in opening doors for other female reporters rather than engaging in the mudslinging. Even Browns fans seem divided. Some appreciate the brotherly protectiveness, seeing it as passion in a league that rewards toughness. Others roll their eyes, wondering why anyone would poke the bear when your sibling is battling for snaps in a brutal position group. Whitlock’s “dumbest of the clan” line stings precisely because it taps into a broader conversation about the Sanders brand. Deion has built an empire on charisma and confidence. Shedeur has the arm talent and poise to make it work in the NFL. But moments like this risk painting the whole family as more show than substance.

3. What This Means for Shedeur Sanders’ Future

At its core, this isn’t just about one ill-timed tweet or livestream rant. It’s about the delicate balance of supporting family while knowing when to step back. NFL locker rooms and front offices notice these things. Teammates and coaches value low-maintenance players, and external noise can complicate that. Shedeur has talent—there’s no denying the arm strength, accuracy on deep balls, and leadership that made him a standout at Colorado. But turning potential into production in Cleveland, with Watson in the mix and a new coaching staff evaluating every rep, is a different ball game. As OTAs and minicamp wrap up, all eyes turn to training camp, where the real quarterback competition intensifies. Will the Browns stick with Watson’s experience or give Shedeur a legitimate shot to seize the job? Shilo has shown no signs of backing down, insisting his brother deserves fair coverage based on facts rather than “hateful opinions.” Whether that stance helps or hurts remains to be seen.

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• Jason Whitelock
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