Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has hinted that his son, star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, may follow in the footsteps of Eli Manning by refusing to sign with an NFL team that drafts him if it’s not the right fit. Deion has been vocal about wanting Shedeur to land with a team that has the right infrastructure and support in place, a sentiment that echoes Manning’s infamous move when he refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after being selected first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, ultimately forcing a trade to the New York Giants.
Shedeur Sanders, currently projected by many draft analysts to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in his class. Some even believe he could be the first quarterback taken off the board. The catch? The teams picking early in the draft are typically those coming off poor seasons—often lacking the talent and organizational stability needed to support a young quarterback’s development.
Teams like the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans could be in the market for a quarterback in the near future, but they might not have the offensive weapons or solid foundation that Deion envisions for his son. This has led to speculation that the Sanders family might use their leverage to steer Shedeur toward a more favorable situation.
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During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Night Cap podcast, Deion addressed the growing speculation about Shedeur’s future and whether he might take an unconventional route to dictate his NFL landing spot.
“I’ll pull an Eli, a LaVar Ball, a LeBron James… I’m pulling all of them,” Deion said, making it clear that he wouldn’t hesitate to take matters into his own hands if necessary. “Honestly, we’ve talked about it a lot. I’ve spoken to a multitude of NFL teams because they’re at practice every day. I want what’s best for him, but I also want him to be happy.”
Deion acknowledged that while the draft process makes it difficult for players to dictate where they go, he has strong opinions about which franchises are set up to win and which are consistently stuck in mediocrity. “You know us. We know who ain’t trying to win in the NFL, and we know who’s been in the basement year after year. You don’t want that situation for your kid or your family members.”
This candid approach could have a real impact on how NFL teams view Shedeur Sanders leading up to the draft. Deion’s comments, as credible as they may be, introduce a level of uncertainty that might make some organizations hesitant to draft Shedeur if they believe they won’t be able to sign him. It’s a scenario that could affect Shedeur’s draft stock, potentially dropping him out of the top three or into the later stages of the top 10.
Still, Deion is confident that if Shedeur ends up with a struggling team, his son is more than equipped to handle the adversity. “Shedeur is suited for adversity,” Deion said. “All of our life, we’ve been hated, mistreated, talked about, lied on, and dealt with naysayers. He’s never had the red carpet rolled out for him. He had to earn everything he has, so he’s ready for whatever comes his way.”
Deion’s assertion that Shedeur thrives in difficult situations suggests that no matter where he ends up, the younger Sanders will be prepared to rise to the challenge. But it’s clear that Deion’s protective nature as both a father and coach means he’ll be doing everything in his power to ensure Shedeur lands in a situation where he can thrive both on and off the field.
As Shedeur’s NFL prospects continue to rise, the question of where he will land—and how much influence the Sanders family will exert over that decision—remains a topic of intrigue.
Whether or not Deion follows through with his “Eli Manning” threat, it’s certain that Shedeur’s journey to the NFL will be one to watch closely.
