Derek Carr didn’t say much, but his message was loud and clear. The former Saints quarterback recently left a single bullseye emoji under a post by Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, which featured a video of his son, Shedeur Sanders, throwing impressive passes at the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp.
Carr’s comment caught fire across social media and quickly became a talking point in both NFL and college football circles. The post already had traction, with Shedeur’s sharp performance turning heads after he fell to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carr’s reaction, shortly after announcing his retirement from the NFL, added a new layer to the conversation.
Former Saints QB Derek Carr Reacts To Shedeur Sanders’ Camp Highlights
Carr, who announced his retirement earlier in 2025, left a single bullseye emoji on Coach Prime’s post showcasing Shedeur Sanders’ training camp highlights. The clip showed the young quarterback dropping a dime for a touchdown, a display of the accuracy that made him a standout at Colorado. Fans quickly interpreted Carr’s comment as a sign of respect for the rookie’s potential.
Carr knew something
— JayCosmo 🛸💨 (@JaysonCosmo) May 11, 2025
Shedeur’s journey to the NFL was anything but smooth, as he fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Many had projected him as a first-round talent earlier in the process, though his stock declined leading up to the draft. Carr’s emoji echoed what many believe: Shedeur’s talent is undeniable.
Carr’s $40 million deal with the Saints may have blocked a move for a QB like Shedeur. Carr’s endorsement, albeit through an emoji, added fuel to the ongoing debate about Shedeur’s potential and the decisions made during the draft. It highlighted the impact of even the smallest gestures from seasoned players on the perceptions of emerging talent.
Fans Question Saints’ Draft Decisions as Carr’s Emoji Fuels Shedeur Sanders Hype
Shedeur Sanders’ camp highlights, shared by Coach Prime, showcased his pinpoint accuracy and poise, reminding fans why he was once a projected first-round pick. Derek Carr’s bullseye emoji hinted at a veteran’s recognition of star potential in the Browns’ rookie.
A fan speculated, “That’s why he retired, he was gonna come back to get him ready and saw they drafted ole boy and said nah I’m out.”
Former Saints QB Derek Carr comment under Coach Prime post of Shedeur Sanders Camp Highlights 👀
“🎯”
The Saints could’ve had Shedeur….. pic.twitter.com/7SfiyU0fw9
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) May 11, 2025
One fan vented, “As a Saints fan, the front office is a joke”, reflecting widespread frustration. Another added, “Everyone could’ve had Shedeur. Clearly, no one wanted him. I’m not even sure the Browns really wanted him.”
Shedeur’s college stats, 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024 at Colorado, gave fans plenty to hype, and Carr’s comment seemed to validate their belief in his talent.
A fan noted, “It’s crazy how actual players are very clear on what they think and feel”, emphasizing Carr’s subtle endorsement. Another quipped, “YT people will cut off their entire leg to spite their toenail”, highlighting perceived stubbornness in draft decisions.
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The phrase “Carr knew something” echoed across social media, becoming a rallying cry for fans who see Shedeur’s draft slide as a mistake.
One fan summed up the irony, saying, “Ironic huh?”, as Shedeur continues to shine in Browns camp. Carr’s emoji has amplified the narrative that the young quarterback is ready to silence his critics in the NFL.
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