The 2025 NFL draft took a surprising turn when Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders and a talented quarterback from Colorado, suddenly dropped to Day 3 without being taken. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith didn’t mince words when fans and commentators began questioning the judgment. He sparked a heated analogy on social media, implying that Sander’s situation was similar to the contentious treatment Colin Kaepernick had endured.
Stephen A. Smith Compares Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Slide to Colin Kaepernick
In a passionate post on X, Smith called out the NFL for what he described as a “damn disgrace.”
“How in the hell is Shedeur not off the board, not drafted yet? Y’all think this has nothing to do with teams hatin’ on Deion Sanders. This kid is a first-rounder. Differently, this is Kaepernick all over again… being kept out. A damn disgrace. I don’t care what anyone says!” Smith posted.
Smith’s sharp remarks suggest Sander’s decline is more complex than his on-field performance. While many projected Sanders as a first-rounder or early second-round talent, teams passed him over repeatedly. According to Smith, teams might be hesitant to embrace Sanders’s flair and confidence, which made him one of college football’s most talked-about players, or they might be tired of Deion Sanders’s overblown presence.
The resemblance to Colin Kaepernick is obvious. Kaepernick was kicked out of the NFL after leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance because his nonviolent demonstrations during the national anthem caused political uproar. Smith doesn’t suggest that Sanders was banned for his activities, but he hints that “outside narratives” around Deion and Sanders make NFL teams hesitant.
Fans, Celebrities, and Even Politicians Weigh In
The conversation didn’t stop with Smith. Former President Donald Trump even weighed in via Truth Social, questioning the NFL’s decision-making and praising Deion Sanders’ leadership and coaching abilities.
Social media exploded with memes, supportive posts, and fervent opinions. Several fans voiced shock that Sander’s leadership, accuracy, and football IQ should have made him a Day 1 or Day 2 pick. Others asked whether the high-profile attention the Sanders family naturally brings to NFL teams made them uncomfortable.
Sanders, meantime, has maintained his poise. After throwing a grand draft party in anticipation of his name being called earlier, Sanders calmly and confidently addressed the media.
“It adds fuel to the fire,” he said. “God’s timing is the best timing.”
He thanked his fans for their support and clarified that he’s more motivated than ever to prove himself at the next level.
What’s Next for Shedeur?
Now that the last rounds are approaching, everyone is watching to see where Sanders will fall. According to analysts, he might still be able to find a team ready to wager on his potential. If history is any indication, athletes who have a chip on their shoulders have the potential to become some of the biggest stars in the sport.
Regardless of your opinion of Smith’s analogy, one thing is certain: Sanders’ tale is only beginning.
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