Shedeur Sanders brings positivity to Cleveland community after tragedy

CLEVELAND – With little resistance, small children and young teens easily squeezed through the loose cluster of security and video crew members to snap quick selfies with Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Over the course of four hours on Wednesday evening, nearly 1,000 residents of the Garden Valley Apartments on the southeast side of Cleveland gathered for a family-friendly charitable event sponsored by Sanders. The festivities featured an 11-year-old DJ, line dancing, free haircuts, food trucks, grilled food, and complimentary T-shirts.

In addition to never turning down a selfie request, Sanders joined residents in cornhole, a makeshift football game, and even blowing bubbles with children. Browns defensive end Mike Hall Jr. also attended. 

“I feel a love in the community,” said Sanders, drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft in April. “I’m enjoying it. I’m excited about everything. I just wanted to come out here and enjoy myself with everybody. I feel like [Cleveland] is home; it feels normal to me.”

Since arriving in Cleveland, Sanders’ “pop-ups” at schools and community events have become the norm. His first stop was John Marshall High School in April, where he inspired students by sharing his goal of bringing a Super Bowl to Cleveland. He later visited Berea-Midpark High School, spending time with the football team and taking photos.

Sanders has also made several surprise appearances at football camps, including one hosted by Cleveland native and Tennessee Titans cornerback Justin Hardee.

Philanthropy and community engagement are nothing new for Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado coach Deion Sanders. His mother, Pilar Sanders, said those values were instilled early.

“When he was younger, we had something called ‘Sanders Claus,’ ” said Pilar, who attended Wednesday’s event. “It was centered around Christmas. We saw a need in the community, and we just started doing it year-round. So, he grew up in a lifestyle of giving.”

Sanders’ giving spirit took on new meaning following the June 23 gas explosion that sparked a fire and ravaged several units in the Rainbow Terrace section of the Garden Valley Apartments.

The tragedy was especially emotional for Danny Solomon, 50, who grew up in those same apartments, federally launched by the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority in 1957. Known as “Coach Boom,” Solomon has coached youth football for the Garden Valley Falcons for more than 30 years. Over 100 residents were forced to flee their homes, five people were hospitalized, and one father, Cordale Sheffield, suffered severe burns while rescuing his two children. Sheffield died from his injuries weeks later. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

“It was very traumatic because people were live-streaming the fire, and I saw it on Instagram,” Solomon said. “I now live 3 or 4 miles away, so I immediately got down there to see how I could help.”

The explosion and fire displaced 42 residents, leaving many more in need of basic necessities. The community rallied, organizing donation drives for water, nonperishable food, clothing, shoes, diapers, and hygiene products.

“We collected goods for two straight weeks,” Solomon said. “It was overwhelming — the amount of monetary donations, gift cards, and clothing we received. We eventually had to stop collecting clothing. The response was so heartwarming. It showed me that when someone is in need — no matter your religion, politics, Black or white — we can definitely rally and come together.”

But one resident, Johnnie Grimes, believed Garden Valley could also use an emotional boost, a spark of hope. He reached out to Sanders via Instagram and through the Browns’ social media page, sharing details of the fire and asking if Sanders would do something for the neighborhood.

Former Glenville High football standout Mike Edwards, a friend of Sanders, also saw the request.

“I figured this would be major because Shedeur would get a chance to help uplift people here,” Edwards said. “He’d get a chance to come out here, touch the community, and let them know that they matter.”

Edwards connected Sanders with Solomon.

“Mike and I got together, he called Shedeur, and we immediately hashed out the details three weeks ago,” Solomon said. “I was really impressed with Shedeur. He really knew what he wanted to do.”

According to Solomon, Sanders wanted to do more than just write a check. Sanders wanted his presence to have an impact in a community that desperately needed positivity after the fire.

“And I was thinking maybe he wouldn’t want to do the event in Garden Valley because of the stereotype of government housing communities,” Solomon said. “But he was like, ‘Naw, I want to be there.’ “

What became known as the Garden Valley Fun Fest made a lasting impression on both the youth and the adults, who posed for photos and immediately shared them with friends.

“Sanders is the first professional athlete/celebrity to ever come here,” Solomon said. 

Solomon also said the event capped an emotional journey.

“This was all definitely gratifying,” he said of the donations and Wednesday’s event. “I haven’t cried this much in a while. It’s been an emotional year. I turned 50, my son graduated from college, and with all of the political strife this just shows that when we have a common goal, we can actually work together very effectively.”

With rookies set to report to training camp this week, Pilar Sanders said she loves how the community has embraced her son.

“The community has embraced him so dearly,” she said. “You can tell it’s going to be a remarkable journey for sure. I’m so happy about it. I’m proud of him, and the people have been so welcoming.”