Even NFL rookies notice star power — especially when it shines through criticism. Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders praised Angel Reese for how she handles haters, and his words hit home for anyone riding high on attention.
“Yeah, I like how she handles the majority of her stuff. I like how she handles. She is doing a good job. She knows how to take advantage of the situation that she’s in, and I’m excited and I’m proud of her for that,” Sanders said, according to a fan-shared clip. It’s rare to see someone from the NFL speak so openly about WNBA culture, but Angel Reese makes bold looks normal.

Reese, a standout rookie for the Chicago Sky, drew haters with her flashy style and unapologetic confidence. Critics called her “classless,” but bookies and fans made her a face of the league — even pushing WNBA viewership to new heights. Sanders is right to call her approach smart. She doesn’t just play — Angel Reese uses every angle to her advantage, on and off the court.
That rings true for Sanders, too. Coming off a surprising fifth-round fall to the NFL, he’s now delivering mic’d-up leadership in Browns camp and proving doubters wrong one throw at a time.

Whether it’s over-the-top social feeds or game-day steals, Angel Reese has mastered turning criticism into momentum. And Sanders, a rising football star, sees the blueprint — confidence, control, and above all, using every platform you’ve got.
Angel Reese’s Unshakeable Swagger Wins Respect From NFL Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
When Angel Reese speaks up, people listen — even NFL quarterbacks. Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders picked her out during a media clip for how she handles criticism. He praised her knack for turning heat into hype and said he’s “excited” and “proud” of how she handles things.
That praise comes at a time when Angel Reese is reshaping her WNBA debut — shattering rookie rebound records and driving viewership — while staying unbothered by online pushback. She’s a lightning rod, and she embraces it.

Sanders knows a thing or two about that type of narrative, too. After sliding to the fifth round in the NFL draft, he’s responded with steady leadership and standout flashes during Browns’ rookie camp. Coaches and reporters called his mic’d-up huddles “leadership in real time.”
What Sanders sees in Angel Reese isn’t just bravado — it’s presence and purpose. For someone building a legacy that survives the headlines, that’s invaluable. And we wouldn’t blame him if he was taking notes.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.