Shedeur Sanders is the most powerful black man in America since Obama, ESPN analyst claims

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins delivered a stunning take on Shedeur Sanders when he likened the NFL star to former President Barack Obama. 

The quarterback was handed his first career start with the Cleveland Browns at the weekend and put on a show as he helped guide the team to a 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Now, after impressing with a 209-yard passing day including one touchdown, the 23-year-old left Perkins in raptures. 

The former NBA champion, known for his outlandish takes, appeared to claim that Sanders wielded the same power and influence as Obama, when the former president took office for the first time in 2009. 

'Shedeur Sanders is the most powerful black man since 2009.' Perkins claimed on the LGND TLK podcast. 

'You know what happened in 2009? That's when President Obama got elected in office. He's the most powerful black man since 2009.' 

Obama became the United States' first black president when he beat Republican nominee John McCain at the polls in November 2008. He officially took office in January 2009 when he was inaugurated. 

Four years later, he sought and won re-election, defeating Mitt Romney in 2012. 

Meanwhile, Sanders has only appeared in two NFL games this season after suffering a humiliating slide in April's draft, which was ultimately ended by the Browns selecting him in the fifth round.  

'And when I say powerful, there’s two sides of it,' Perkins continued. 'You've got the black community, he's bringing the whole black community together. I haven't ran across one black person who said one bad thing about Shedeur. Because he has the balance of "I'm arrogant but I'm humble too."

'He’s the most powerful Black man in sports. You know, what, f*** black man, he’s the most powerful player in sports. Because even when he’s not playing, he’s still getting talked about.' 

Sanders etched his name into the history books on Sunday. By leading the Browns to victory, Sanders became the first quarterback to win on his first career start for the franchise - breaking an 0-17 streak.

And Perkins wasn't the only one gushing over the rookie. His performance drew acclaim from fans across the country and even caught the attention of Donald Trump, who posted about Sanders on social media.

Taking to Truth Social , Trump wrote: 'Shedeur Sanders was GREAT. Wins first game, career start, as a pro (for Cleveland). Great Genes. I TOLD YOU SO!'.

Back in April, Trump was left seething over the decision from franchises to overlook the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders.

During the win over the Raiders, Sanders went 11-of-20 for 209 yards including one touchdown and one interception.

His performance came at a welcome time - having endured a rollercoaster week in the build-up to the win over the Raiders.

While Sanders was on a high after making his NFL debut - after replacing an injured Dillon Gabriel - it was later revealed that he'd been the victim of a burglary at his home.

It was initially unclear whether anything had been taken from his home, but now TMZ Sports is reporting that $200k in property was stolen during the raid.

Three suspects wearing masks and gloves are said to have entered Sanders' home at around 6:46pm, a new press release states. They were also seen making their way around several parts of the building on surveillance cameras.