Shedeur Sanders may have experienced a longer wait than expected during the 2025 NFL Draft, but a surprise message from KFC helped turn the story into a moment of encouragement and pride.

KFC Sends Shedeur Sanders Encouragement After Draft Slide
After sliding into the later rounds, Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, received a viral show of support from an unlikely source: Kentucky Fried Chicken. The iconic fast-food brand responded to a post about Sanders with a clever and uplifting message:
The Colonel was rejected 1,009 times before finally landing our famous original recipe. Sometimes all a Sanders needs is a little time to cook. Congrats Shedeur!!
— KFC (@kfc) April 27, 2025
The tweet quickly went viral, drawing thousands of likes and shares. Fans loved the way KFC tied the Colonel’s story of perseverance to Sanders’ own journey, suggesting that like the secret recipe, Shedeur just needs a little time to reach his full potential.
Sanders’ slide in the draft puzzled many analysts. Once projected as a possible first-round pick, concerns over his predraft interviews and perceived “distractions” surrounding his profile may have hurt his stock. Despite these setbacks, Sanders’ talent remains undeniable.
He’s known for his toughness, poise under pressure, and ability to make smart, accurate throws in the short and intermediate passing game. Although he sometimes held onto the ball too long in 2024, his overall skill set, including the ability to move within the pocket and throw receivers open, has many believing he could eventually thrive in the NFL.
Now a member of the Cleveland Browns, Sanders joins a newly reshaped quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel from Oregon. While the path to immediate playing time might be tough, Sanders’ mental resilience and strong work ethic could help him carve out a role and develop at his own pace.
KFC’s tweet captured the essence of Sanders’ journey: success isn’t always instant. Like Colonel Sanders himself, who famously endured over 1,000 rejections before his fried chicken recipe became a household name, Shedeur Sanders’ story is just beginning. Sometimes, greatness just needs a little more time in the oven.
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For Browns fans, the hope is that with patience and the right coaching, Sanders can develop into a valuable asset for the franchise. His toughness, leadership, and proven ability to elevate his game when it matters most suggest that his best football is still ahead of him.
As Sanders works to prove the doubters wrong, KFC’s timely and inspirational message serves as a reminder that setbacks are often just the prelude to a greater success story. And for Shedeur Sanders, the future still looks bright, it’s just still cooking.
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