Shedeur Sanders’ confidence often sparks debate, from showing off luxury jewelry on the sidelines to skipping the 2025 NFL Combine, keeping the spotlight on his journey to the NFL.
Yet, in today’s world, where athletes are freer to express themselves, his style should be more accepted. With strong support from his father, Deion Sanders—one of the most flashy and confident players in NFL history—Shedeur carries that same bold attitude forward.
Shannon Sharpe & Chad Ochocinco Sound Off on “Night Cap” in Support of Shedeur Sanders
After answering his critics at the NFL Combine, the 23-year-old star is now dealing with what NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe describes as a “smear campaign.”
On the latest episode of the Nightcap podcast, Sharpe strongly defended the rising prospect. Sharpe called out the media for harsh coverage, urging fans and analysts to be more fair when judging young athletes.
“I’m glad that he’s doing a great job,” Sharpe said. “He sees these things, he’s on social media, he hears these things. He’s not a robot, he has feelings, he has emotions… You hear all of the negativity that they are saying. It doesn’t make it any easier. Your dad can tell you this and that but it won’t make it any easier.
“If Shedeur is what we think he is… all of that noise, that’s all it is, just noise,” Sharpe said.
The media’s harsh scrutiny of young athletes isn’t new. LeBron James recently clashed with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith over criticism of his son, Bronny, questioning whether he earned his NBA spot or benefited from nepotism.
Sharpe worries about how the criticism affect Shedeur Sanders, but Chad Ochocinco isn’t concerned. He believes the young quarterback will be just fine under pressure.
“The fact that he’s already been through it for so long and he has Prime as his father, I don’t think it will,” Sharpe said. “When the media jumps on you and they talk about you, sometimes it gets to certain people, but I think Shedeur is built different… I think he has a great understanding to ignore, to block the noise out.”
Ochocinco believes the media has focused more on Sanders’ confidence and flashy style than his actual performance on the field. He urged reporters to shift their coverage
“They don’t talk about him winning at Jackson State. They don’t talk about him winning at Colorado, despite the obstacles that he had to overcome,” Ochocinco said. “They don’t talk about any of that. We talk about the way an individual carries themself, his swag, the way that he talks, not about being in trouble. Nothing is talking about that, just ridiculous stuff.
“Oh, he’s showing off his watch. So what?” Ochocinco added.
KEEP READING: Analyst Predicts Browns Will Select Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders in 2025 NFL Mock Draft
In the end, Sanders’ journey to the NFL will be defined by his performance, not the headlines. While media scrutiny is inevitable, those who understand the game—like Sharpe and Ochocinco—recognize his talent and resilience.
As Sanders continues to prove himself on the field, the noise surrounding his confidence and style will fade, leaving only his impact as a quarterback to speak for itself.
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