Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is on the cusp of making the leap to the NFL, with the talented signal-caller projected as one of the top picks in the 2025 draft. His standout 2024 season solidified his status as an elite prospect, and many NFL teams are eager to land the Buffaloes star.
However, with the buzz surrounding his NFL prospects has come a wave of speculation—some less credible than others. This weekend, Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father and head coach at Colorado, took to social media to address one such rumor head-on.
The Source of the Controversy
On Saturday, the Twitter account NFL Rookie Watch claimed that Shedeur Sanders might refuse to play for certain NFL teams, specifically naming the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. The post quickly gained traction online, sparking debates about whether Shedeur might attempt to steer his path in the NFL draft.
Deion Sanders wasted no time in refuting the claim, responding directly via social media.
“A lie don’t care who tells it,” Deion wrote. “Please stop trying to become relevant by misrepresenting my son. God bless you.”
His statement was a firm rejection of the unsourced rumor, emphasizing that the speculation was baseless and untrue.
A History of Draft-Day Power Plays
The idea of top prospects maneuvering to avoid certain teams has historical precedent, albeit rare. NFL legends like John Elway and Eli Manning famously engineered moves to avoid playing for specific franchises. However, such situations are the exception rather than the rule, and Deion Sanders’ firm denial suggests that the Sanders camp has no immediate plans to follow in those footsteps.
Has Deion Hinted at Team Preferences?
While the recent rumor was baseless, Deion has made comments in the past that suggest he may have strong feelings about where his son lands. In interviews, Deion has spoken about the importance of Shedeur finding the “right fit” and the need for an organization to match Shedeur’s values and ambitions.
“It’s not just about going to the NFL—it’s about going to the right situation,” Deion said in an earlier interview. “You want to be somewhere that values you and helps you succeed.”
However, these statements are far from suggesting Shedeur would outright refuse to play for certain teams.
The Reality of the NFL Draft
While players like Shedeur Sanders may have preferences, the NFL draft system offers limited control over where prospects begin their careers. Even highly touted quarterbacks often end up with struggling franchises, as those teams typically own the top picks. Speculation about draft-day maneuvering is common but rarely materializes into actual power plays.
Moreover, NFL teams have strict rules in place to deter such behavior. For Shedeur, his focus is likely on preparing for the draft and showcasing his abilities to prospective teams rather than creating drama over potential landing spots.
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A Bright Future for Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders’ stellar play at Colorado under the guidance of his father has made him one of the most talked-about prospects in college football. As the NFL draft approaches, the quarterback’s journey to the next level will undoubtedly attract significant attention.
For now, Deion’s response serves as a reminder to fans and media alike: not all rumors deserve airtime. As father and coach, Deion is fiercely protective of his son, and his swift action to dispel misinformation underscores the close bond between the two.
Ultimately, wherever Shedeur lands, it’s clear he’ll have a strong support system in his corner—and the talent to make an impact on the NFL stage.
