Longtime Cleveland Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot has been covering the team for nearly four decades, building a reputation as one of the most respected voices in NFL media. But when she recently voiced her opinion on the Browns' quarterback competition, she found herself on the receiving end of a misogynistic insult from Colorado safety Shilo Sanders.
Cabot recently stated that she believes the Browns should open the season with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback, noting that Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for the job. Cleveland.com shared a video of Cabot expressing her support for Watson on Instagram, with the caption: "I think they should declare Watson QB1 ASAP and let the 1st team offense cook. There's no time to waste."
The quote prompted Shilo Sanders to respond with a degrading comment: "Go make a sandwich Mary." While Sanders may have been attempting to defend his brother, Shedeur, the remark crossed a line and sparked widespread criticism across the sports world.
Rather than engage in a back-and-forth, Cabot took the high road. During an appearance on Cleveland's 93.7 The Fan, she addressed the comment with the professionalism that has defined her career. "I know so many women who have joined the football world especially because of some of the things I've been able to do over the years," Cabot said. "I'm happy about that."
She continued: "I really do believe that I have been an inspiration for lots of women and young girls to know that you can go out there and do a good job in a man's world and take on all of that that comes with that. And I know there are so many women who have joined the football world especially because of some of the things I've been able to do over the years, and I'm happy about that. I'm just happy that I've been able to help set the tone and open some doors in that way, and I know that will continue."
According to reports, Sanders later doubled down on his comment during a Twitch stream, criticizing Cabot for offering opinions. But for fans and followers of the game, the takeaway is clear: Cabot's grace under pressure is a reminder that true strength isn't about the insults you throw—it's about the doors you open for others.