Deion Sanders states he would steer Shedeur Sanders away from unsuitable NFL teams
This season has been significant for Colorado football, particularly with quarterback Shedeur Sanders set to conclude his college career, alongside Travis Hunter likely advancing to the NFL.
Coach Deion Sanders aims to continue his guidance beyond just his son’s college tenure.
On the Fox Sports 1 show “Speak,” Deion mentioned he would step in if a team that he does not think is a good fit attempts to draft his son, a highly regarded quarterback, during the 2025 NFL draft.
He specified that such intervention would occur “privately.”
“I’m going to be dad until the end,” Sanders declared. “And the same goes for Travis.”
Shedeur Sanders is considered among the top prospects in the upcoming draft, potentially the best quarterback available.
Throughout his Colorado career, Sanders has achieved impressive stats, completing 70.9% of his passes for 6,112 yards with 51 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions across 20 games. This season, with a slightly improved offensive line, he boasts a completion rate of 72.9%, totaling 2,882 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, helping the Buffs achieve a 7-2 record and a No. 20 ranking in the US LBM Coaches Poll, which positions them for a potential College Football Playoff slot.
His achievements have caught the NFL’s attention, leading to speculation about his potential to revive a struggling franchise. In the latest YSL News Sports mock draft, he is slated to be the No. 2 overall pick by the New York Giants, being the first quarterback selected. Only Travis Hunter is projected before him at No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
When asked by co-host Keyshawn Johnson regarding the regions where he wouldn’t want Shedeur to play, Deion refrained from giving a direct answer but outlined his desired conditions for his son’s future team.
“I want a team that can effectively manage a quarterback like him, someone familiar with his capabilities, and has successfully worked with quarterbacks in the past or has a solid support system in the team,” Sanders explained. “Forget about the offensive line. He has handled less-than-ideal lines but managed to perform well. What matters is the team’s infrastructure and direction. He can manage challenges.”
While he may face backlash for his actions, Sanders influencing his son’s draft destination isn’t entirely new. When Eli Manning was selected as the No. 1 pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2004, his agent cautioned the team that he would refrain from playing for them, leading to a trade to the New York Giants.
Back in 1989, during his own drafting, Sanders refused a lengthy psychological test offered by the Giants, telling them that he wouldn’t be available for selection, and subsequently was picked by the Atlanta Falcons as the No. 5 overall choice.
When contemplating the future of his son and Travis Hunter, who he describes closely like a son as well, Sanders is optimistic about their prospects in the NFL, which is why he is meticulous about their potential draft teams.
“This kid has a passion for the game and a relentless desire to succeed,” he said. “I want him to go to a team that will truly elevate his game, not just adhere to a draft pick selection.”