Shedeur Sanders is steadily emerging as a reflection of his father, Deion Sanders, showcasing remarkable athletic ability and commanding verbal skills. Last week, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback made headlines when he accepted the Johnny Unitas Award with an inspiring speech highlighting his journey through HBCU football.
Shedeur Sanders Gets Real About His Candid Speech at Award Ceremony
Last Friday, the Colorado quarterback made headlines by winning the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, an honor presented annually to the top upperclassman quarterback who exemplifies exceptional character, academic achievements, and athletic skill.
After receiving the award, the quarterback delivered a powerful speech, addressing criticism from fans and the media’s reluctance to fully acknowledge his talent due to his HBCU background and his father.
“I just want to thank God for this opportunity. It was tough looking back, just being at HBCU, coming to Power 5,” the QB said in his speech, per The Mirror.
“People don’t respect how you played; they don’t respect the things you did—not because of me, but because of Pops, because of Dad. They just didn’t like him,” he added.
In a conversation with Darius Sanders earlier this week, Shedeur Sanders revealed that his remarks were entirely spontaneous. He credited his father, Coach Prime, for inspiring him and for accompanying him to events like the awards ceremony.
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“No, bro, all that was off the top of the head, like in my speech. I’m like, dang. You know, I’m always around dad when he got to go talk and get in front of people and stuff. So I’m sitting right there, just me by myself, and nobody else there, bro. So I’m like, dang, now I’m dad in the situation now, I’m the adult now.
“I’m then sitting on the stage. I pray, and then I just get up there and just speak, you know, whatever’s on my heart,” the Colorado star explained.
Shedeur Sanders Rises Up Draft Boards After Massive Season at Colorado
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature two Colorado stars selected in the top five picks—a remarkable achievement for a program that finished 1-11 just two years ago and has since emerged as a powerhouse in the Big 12 Conference. The turnaround is credited to Coach Prime, who has completely revitalized the Buffaloes.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings
According to CFN’s lastest mock draft, Sanders is coming off the board with the No. 2 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. He has recorded 3,926 passing yards with a completion rate of 74.2% and scored 35 touchdowns while conceding eight interceptions.
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