Cris Carter criticizes Shedeur Sanders for his approach during NFL draft interviews, questioning his professionalism and preparedness for the league.

The NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for every college player hoping to transition to the next level. It’s a period that defines futures, shapes careers, and for many, it’s the realization of lifelong dreams. In the days leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, one name that has been causing quite a stir is Shedeur Sanders, the highly-touted quarterback from Jackson State University. Sanders, the son of NFL legend and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, has quickly risen to prominence due to his skill on the field. However, it’s not just his athleticism that’s being scrutinized—recent comments from NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter have cast a shadow over how Shedeur Sanders has handled the pre-draft process, specifically regarding his approach to NFL interviews.

The Build-Up: Shedeur Sanders’ Star Power

Shedeur Sanders burst onto the national stage in a big way, with his electric play at Jackson State under his father’s guidance. His ability to read defenses, deliver accurate throws, and maintain composure under pressure quickly made him one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His performances garnered significant attention, and with Deion Sanders’ larger-than-life personality and influence, Shedeur was placed in the spotlight early in his career.

However, his decision to play at Jackson State—historically a lower-tier FCS program—raised eyebrows in the football world. Many questioned his ability to compete at the highest levels of college football and whether he could handle the pressure of the NFL Draft process. Yet, Shedeur continued to rise through the ranks, leading Jackson State to multiple wins, including a championship, and displaying a level of poise that impressed scouts.

But, despite his growing reputation on the field, it was his off-the-field demeanor—specifically his approach to the draft interviews—that started to raise questions among veteran analysts and former NFL stars.

Cris Carter’s Criticism: Professionalism and Maturity Under the Microscope

Cris Carter, a legendary wide receiver who played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins, has always been known for his blunt honesty and unfiltered opinions. A player who knows the stakes of being drafted and the critical importance of professionalism, Carter’s criticisms of Shedeur Sanders’ approach to NFL draft interviews sent shockwaves through the sports world. Carter’s comments, which were made on a popular sports network, were based on several key observations he had made regarding Sanders’ behavior and attitudes during interviews with NFL teams and media outlets.

“I think there’s an element of maturity that’s missing in how Shedeur has handled himself in this process,” Carter said. “It’s one thing to be confident, it’s another thing to be arrogant. I’m not saying he isn’t talented, but professionalism goes a long way in this league. The way you handle these interviews tells me everything about how you’re going to handle the pressure at the next level.”

Carter’s criticisms were pointed, focusing on the difference between confidence and arrogance, two traits that often get confused in the high-pressure world of professional football. In Carter’s eyes, Sanders’ approach had veered too far into arrogance, which could harm his reputation with NFL front offices and coaches.

The NFL Draft Process: More Than Just Football

The NFL Draft process is much more than simply showcasing a player’s athletic ability. The league’s decision-makers are looking for more than just physical talent—they are also assessing a player’s mental toughness, ability to handle pressure, and maturity. Teams want to know how a player will react in the face of adversity, how they will interact with their teammates, and how well they can communicate and represent the organization.

The interview process is one of the most critical aspects of the draft, allowing teams to learn more about a player’s personality, work ethic, and leadership qualities. It is here that players often reveal their true character, both through their answers to tough questions and how they handle the stress of being evaluated by a room full of executives, coaches, and scouts. For someone like Shedeur Sanders, who was already well-known due to his father’s stature in the NFL, these interviews were an opportunity to prove his maturity and readiness for the next step in his career.

However, it was reported that during many of these interviews, Sanders had come across as overly confident, sometimes bordering on dismissive of questions that didn’t align with his personal views or preferences. This led some to believe that his approach lacked the level of seriousness and maturity that NFL executives look for in a potential franchise quarterback.

Is Confidence a Strength or Weakness?

One of the most contentious aspects of Carter’s critique was his differentiation between confidence and arrogance. In the world of football, confidence is a key asset—it allows players to overcome the mental hurdles that come with the game. However, excessive confidence, or what many would categorize as arrogance, can be perceived as a lack of self-awareness and a barrier to teamwork. For a quarterback, the most important quality is often the ability to lead, and a quarterback who alienates his coaches and teammates with an overinflated sense of self can quickly find themselves out of favor, regardless of their on-field performance.

Shedeur Sanders, much like his father, has always been outspoken and confident. Deion Sanders, after all, is one of the most brashly confident players in NFL history. However, while Deion’s flamboyant personality was often seen as a tool to energize and lead his teams, Shedeur’s confidence in the draft process may have been viewed as a potential red flag. To be a successful quarterback in the NFL, it’s not enough to have a strong arm and impressive stats—you also need to command the respect of your teammates and coaching staff. Carter’s criticism focused on this exact issue, as he felt that Shedeur had yet to demonstrate this necessary level of humility and self-awareness in his interactions with NFL personnel.

The Importance of Maturity

Maturity is a critical factor for success in the NFL. While college athletes are often treated like stars in their college towns, they quickly learn that the NFL is a different world. The expectations are higher, the stakes are bigger, and the competition is fiercer. It’s in the interviews and off-the-field interactions that NFL teams assess whether a player can handle the weight of their newfound fame and the demands of professional football. Maturity, or a lack thereof, often shows up in these moments.

Cris Carter’s comments highlighted this aspect of the draft process. He noted that Shedeur Sanders, despite his considerable talents, may not have shown the kind of maturity that NFL teams expect from their top-tier quarterbacks. “If I were an NFL GM,” Carter added, “I would want to know that a quarterback has been through the ringer, that they can handle the pressure, and that they understand that this game isn’t just about talent—it’s about leadership, composure, and adaptability.”

Carter’s assessment aligns with the philosophy of many NFL teams, which have often favored more humble, steady quarterbacks who are able to navigate the chaos of the league with poise and professionalism.

Looking Ahead: Can Shedeur Sanders Adjust?

While Cris Carter’s criticism may have stung, it’s not necessarily the end of the road for Shedeur Sanders. The draft process is one filled with challenges, and players often evolve during this time. If Sanders can take Carter’s comments to heart and demonstrate a more mature, humble approach in his remaining interviews and interactions with NFL teams, he could quell concerns and solidify his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

What’s clear is that Shedeur Sanders has immense talent. His on-field skills, football IQ, and leadership ability have been praised by numerous analysts. However, as the draft approaches, it will be the way he handles these final moments—the interviews, the scrutiny, the pressure—that will ultimately determine his draft position and future success in the NFL.

The draft is just the beginning of Shedeur’s professional career. He will have plenty of opportunities to prove his worth, both on and off the field. But the way he responds to criticism, especially from respected figures like Cris Carter, will go a long way in determining whether he becomes the quarterback he’s capable of being.

In the end, the NFL is a league that rewards not only skill but also character. For Shedeur Sanders, the next few months will be critical in shaping both. If he can learn from this criticism and approach the process with the professionalism and maturity NFL teams expect, he could very well fulfill the immense potential that many believe he has.