As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has defended his son, QB prospect Shedeur Sanders, against what he calls unfair criticism from analysts and scouts. He also believes negative perceptions of Shedeur highlight a broader issue with how athletes are judged today.
Despite being one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects in a relatively weak class, Shedeur faced skepticism at the NFL Scouting Combine. NBC Sports reported that two teams felt he appeared “unprofessional and disinterested.” What did Coach Prime in response to these claims?
Deion Sanders Shuts Down Shedeur Sanders Doubters
As Colorado QB prospect Shedeur Sanders prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, his father, coach Deion Sanders, has fiercely defended him against criticism from analysts and scouts.
Since transferring from Jackson State, Shedeur has been in the spotlight. However, scrutiny over his demeanor at the NFL Scouting Combine has fueled debate.
Shedeur addressed this negativity in an interview with NFL Network.
“We always understood to block out the noise, even from Jackson State and Colorado. There’s a lot of critics. There’s a lot of hate. But we know what to do,” he said. “Either you’re gonna be watching, or you’re gonna be talking about it… I’d rather be the one getting talked about.”
Deion did not hold back when an NFL Network anchor asked about a report suggesting Shedeur came off poorly in team interviews.
“Now, that was a lie,” he said. Doubling down, he added, “You mean the lies or just the interviews?”
Coach Prime isn’t a fan of some of the pre-draft buzz around Shedeur. 😬 pic.twitter.com/MjXx6pMVs0
— Rivals (@Rivals) March 25, 2025
Sanders dismissed the claims, emphasizing Shedeur’s preparation.
“Shedeur has been built for this, man,” Prime said. “We’ve done this. We got records, we got tape, we’ve got factual evidence of Shedeur at 10 to 12 years old… We’ve practiced and rehearsed this stuff, so he’s well-poised in front of the camera.”
The Hall of Famer then turned his attention to those spreading false narratives, vowing to expose them.
“We like to call that stuff out,” he said. “I know who it is. You’re going to make me call him out… Don’t make me pull behind the curtains.”
Shedeur, unfazed by the criticism, embraces the expectations that come with his father’s legacy.
“Pressure is also a privilege,” he said. “If you don’t have pressure on you, then I don’t know what you’re doing.”
Three-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders & Jaxson Dart Land with 6 Offensive Linemen in Round 1
His college career backs up the hype. Over 50 games, he completed 1,267 passes on 1,808 attempts, boasting a 70.1% completion rate. He threw for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions while adding 17 rushing scores.
In his final season at Colorado, he posted 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and a 74.0% completion rate.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
