Boulder, CO — April 25, 2025

In the world of college football, few names carry as much weight—or as much attention—as Shedeur Sanders. The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, has been under the brightest of spotlights since transferring from Jackson State to Boulder in 2023. His play, his persona, and his pedigree have made him one of the most scrutinized and celebrated athletes in all of college sports.

So when Sanders’ name wasn’t called in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it sent shockwaves across sports media and social platforms. How could a quarterback with his resume, charisma, and talent not be selected among the top 32 picks?

Now, Shedeur is finally speaking up—and he’s doing so with confidence, clarity, and composure.

“I know my worth,” Sanders said during an impromptu press conference Friday morning. “I’m not chasing a number. I’m chasing legacy. And I promise y’all—I’m going to get everything I deserve in due time.”

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was projected by many mock drafts to go late in the first round. Analysts placed him anywhere from pick No. 20 to 32, with teams like the Raiders, Broncos, Vikings, and Seahawks showing interest. While Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy were the consensus top-tier QBs, Sanders was viewed as a borderline first-round talent who could develop into a franchise face.

But as Thursday night rolled on and pick after pick came and went, his name remained on the board.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. was visibly stunned.

“I thought Shedeur would go in the late first, no question,” Kiper said on the broadcast. “He’s polished, experienced, and extremely poised. Teams may regret passing on him.”

While many players might have sulked or posted cryptic social media messages, Shedeur Sanders addressed the situation head-on—with a measured yet powerful message.

“At the end of the day, I’m not going to let one night define who I am or what I’ve accomplished,” he said. “I’m proud of my journey. I played at an HBCU, transferred to a Power Five, and proved I could ball at any level. If that’s not good enough for the first round, then cool. I’ll show y’all later.”

He also took the opportunity to defend his decision to return to Colorado for the 2024 season—something some draft pundits questioned as a potential factor in his slide.

“Coming back was never about draft stock. It was about unfinished business. We’re building something at Colorado. And I wasn’t going to leave my brothers behind for a paycheck I can earn next year.”

Coach Prime, never one to hold back his thoughts, made sure his son knew how proud he was—regardless of the draft result.

“One round doesn’t define a man,” Deion said on X. “Shedeur has done more in three years than most QBs do in a career. He ain’t for everybody. But he’s exactly what an NFL team needs. And when the right one comes calling, they’ll thank God they waited.”

The elder Sanders also hinted that some teams were hesitant to select Shedeur because of “media noise” and concerns about “brand-first priorities”—an implication that some franchises may have been spooked by the high-profile nature of the Sanders family.

Several anonymous NFL executives gave their reasoning to reporters Thursday night:

“He’s got the tools. But some teams weren’t ready for the attention that comes with him,” one scout said. “You’re not just drafting a quarterback—you’re drafting a celebrity.”

“There’s no doubt he can play,” another GM admitted. “But we had concerns about fit and maturity. We think he needs another year of seasoning.”

Still, others were more blunt:

“Someone’s going to get a steal in the second round,” a former NFL coach turned analyst told ESPN. “He’s got a chip on his shoulder now. And that’s dangerous.”

Shedeur Sanders’ junior season didn’t come with the team success many had hoped for. Colorado started strong but stumbled down the stretch, finishing 5–7. Still, Shedeur’s individual numbers were elite:

• 3,658 passing yards
• 32 touchdowns
• 6 interceptions
• 70.1% completion rate

Behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football (he was sacked 52 times), Sanders remained poised and productive. He showcased advanced field vision, quick decision-making, and underrated athleticism.

“If he played behind Georgia’s line, he’s a top-10 pick,” said ESPN’s Louis Riddick. “He was running for his life half the time—and still put up elite numbers.”

Beyond the field, Shedeur Sanders has become a brand in himself.

His social media accounts boast millions of followers, and he’s one of the most recognized college athletes in the country. Through NIL, he’s partnered with Beats by Dre, Tom Brady’s BRADY Brand, Gatorade, and others. But that success off the field has often led to skepticism from traditional football minds.

“Just because I got endorsements don’t mean I ain’t working,” Sanders said. “I’m in the film room. I’m putting in the hours. Just because you see the watch don’t mean I ain’t grinding.”

Sanders emphasized that his personality shouldn’t be mistaken for arrogance.

“I believe in myself. I was raised to. That’s not ego—that’s confidence. And it’s the same confidence that’s going to get me paid real soon.”

Day 2 of the NFL Draft is expected to be short-lived for Sanders. According to multiple sources, several teams—including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings—have expressed strong interest in selecting him early in the second round.

Sanders himself remained nonchalant about the situation:

“I’m going to whoever wants me. I’m not worried about status—I’m worried about fit. I want to win. That’s it.”

And that might be the most important takeaway from his message—Sanders is no longer chasing headlines. He’s chasing victories.

The sports world was abuzz with commentary and support for Sanders after the snub:

• Patrick Mahomes: “All it takes is one team. Let the tape talk. You got this.”
• RGIII: “Shedeur Sanders should’ve been a first-round pick. He’ll make teams regret it.”
• Shannon Sharpe: “He’s got ‘it.’ Don’t let the flash fool you. That boy can play.”

Social media also flooded with fans defending him, sharing highlights, and predicting that Sanders would be the steal of the draft.

Much has been made about Shedeur trying to follow in the massive footsteps of his father. But if you ask him, he’s not chasing legacy—he’s creating one.

“I’m not trying to be my dad. I’m trying to be me. He was a corner. I’m a QB. We both great in different ways. Let me walk my path.”

Still, it’s hard not to draw parallels. Both faced doubters, carried immense expectations, and turned heads with both talent and style. Both also embraced criticism and used it as fuel.

Now, Shedeur is walking that familiar road—one paved with doubters but marked by destiny.

the draft is just a moment—a snapshot. It doesn’t define careers, and it certainly doesn’t define greatness.

Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick. Lamar Jackson was the last pick of the first round. And now, Shedeur Sanders may soon join that group of players who turned “why not?” into “we told you so.”

He may not have heard his name called on Thursday night, but he’s already won in so many ways—by blazing a path through the HBCU ranks, by uplifting Colorado’s program, and by showing young athletes that you can embrace your identity and still compete at the highest level.

“This ain’t the end. This the start,” Sanders said. “And trust me—I’m just getting warmed up.”