Donald Trump criticized NFL owners, suggesting political bias played a role in Shedeur Sanders’ surprising fall during the 2025 Draft.
In a year filled with NFL Draft surprises, few developments were more stunning than Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected fall down the 2025 draft board. Once projected as a top-five pick, Sanders, the talented quarterback from Colorado and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, saw his name slip further than many experts anticipated. Adding fuel to the fire, former President Donald Trump entered the conversation, criticizing NFL owners and suggesting political bias may have contributed to Sanders’ draft slide.
Trump, who has never been shy about expressing his opinions on professional sports — particularly the NFL — took to Truth Social to make his feelings known. In a fiery post, he accused league owners of allowing “woke politics” to influence their decision-making, rather than focusing solely on talent and potential.
“Shedeur Sanders is a phenomenal quarterback and a great young man,” Trump wrote. “Everyone knows he should have been picked MUCH earlier. NFL owners are letting politics cloud their judgment — AGAIN. Very sad to see.”
The former president’s comments quickly gained traction across sports and political media landscapes, sparking heated debates about whether Sanders’ fall was purely based on scouting concerns or if off-field narratives played a significant role.
A Draft Fall No One Saw Coming
Heading into the 2024 college football season, Sanders was widely seen as one of the top quarterbacks in his class. Under his father’s guidance at Colorado, Sanders showcased impressive arm talent, field vision, and leadership, despite playing behind a struggling offensive line. By midseason, most mock drafts consistently slotted him within the top five, with some analysts predicting he could challenge for the No. 1 overall pick.
However, a few red flags began surfacing as the season wore on. Scouts questioned his pocket presence under pressure and his tendency to hold onto the ball too long. Additionally, Colorado’s lackluster record raised doubts about Sanders’ ability to elevate a team at the next level. Even so, none of those concerns seemed severe enough to cause a dramatic fall on draft night.
When quarterbacks like Carson Beck (Georgia) and Jalen Milroe (Alabama) heard their names called before Sanders, many viewers were stunned. As Sanders waited longer than expected, the storyline took on a life of its own — and Trump’s remarks only intensified the scrutiny.
Trump’s Longstanding Grudge With the NFL
Trump’s public beef with the NFL dates back years, with roots tracing to his failed attempt to purchase the Buffalo Bills in 2014. After losing out on that bid, Trump frequently criticized the league, calling it “soft” due to rule changes aimed at player safety.
The animosity deepened during the 2017 season, when players kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice drew Trump’s ire. He called for players who kneeled to be “fired” and accused the league of losing its way by allowing social activism to creep onto the field.
Given that history, it’s no surprise Trump would seize on Sanders’ situation as another opportunity to slam NFL leadership. In his Truth Social post, Trump suggested that Sanders’ outspoken personality — he often speaks proudly about his upbringing and father’s influence — might have rubbed NFL decision-makers the wrong way.
“The NFL is more concerned with being politically correct than winning,” Trump added. “Teams passed on Shedeur not because of talent, but because they’re afraid of strong voices who won’t bow to the establishment.”
Was Politics Really a Factor?
Trump’s accusation raises a larger question: Did Shedeur Sanders’ personality and background influence his draft stock?
Sanders has never shied away from the spotlight. Under the tutelage of “Prime Time” himself, Shedeur embraced a confident, sometimes brash persona that resonated with fans but may have unsettled some traditionalists within NFL front offices. Some evaluators reportedly viewed him as “overly brand-conscious,” citing his frequent NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) endorsements and strong social media presence.
One anonymous scout told The Athletic before the draft, “Shedeur is a tremendous talent, but there’s a concern about how much he’s focused on football versus building the Sanders brand.”
It’s worth noting, however, that NFL teams routinely consider a player’s off-field focus during evaluations, especially for quarterbacks, who are expected to be the face of a franchise. Whether that evaluation crosses into the realm of “political bias,” as Trump suggests, is more subjective.
Several NFL insiders pushed back on Trump’s narrative. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that teams made decisions based on traditional football metrics — mechanics, decision-making, leadership — rather than political leanings or brand management concerns.
Still, Trump’s claims tap into a broader undercurrent of distrust among some fans who believe the NFL prioritizes image over performance.
Reactions Pour In
Predictably, Trump’s comments set off a firestorm across social media.
Some fans agreed with Trump’s assessment, arguing that Sanders’ fall was suspicious given his talent level and pedigree. Conservative commentators amplified Trump’s post, suggesting that NFL owners fear players who are confident, independent, and potentially unwilling to align with league messaging on various social issues.
Others blasted Trump’s intervention as irresponsible and divisive. They accused him of politicizing a young athlete’s career and using Sanders’ draft experience as a pawn in his ongoing feud with professional sports leagues.
Shedeur Sanders himself stayed above the fray. In a brief interview after being drafted, he deflected questions about his draft position and Trump’s comments, focusing instead on gratitude and motivation.
“I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Sanders said. “Now it’s time to go to work and show everyone what I can do.”
His father, Deion Sanders, echoed that sentiment in a post-draft press conference, saying, “God makes no mistakes. Shedeur’s path is his path. Watch what happens next.”
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
Ultimately, Sanders landed with a team that appears excited to build around his skill set. His fall may have cost him millions in rookie contract value, but it also could provide extra motivation as he embarks on his NFL journey.
Many analysts believe Sanders could prove to be a steal if he develops as expected. His arm strength, leadership qualities, and intangibles are still highly regarded by those who studied his tape closely.
As for the political controversy swirling around his name, it seems unlikely Sanders himself will engage with it. His focus, based on all indications, remains squarely on football.
Still, Trump’s entry into the discussion ensures that Sanders’ draft story will have a lasting place in the broader conversation about politics, sports, and the complex ways they continue to intersect in American culture.
