The Sanders family has faced plenty of criticism throughout this football offseason.
Shedeur Sanders entered the summer with questions about his performance after a difficult rookie season that saw him play only eight games. Meanwhile, his father, Deion Sanders, also faced criticism after Colorado finished 3-9 in 2025.
Now, Shedeur’s big brother, Deion Sanders Jr., has addressed that outside noise.
Deion Sanders Jr. Opens Up on Criticism Surrounding Shedeur Sanders and Coach Prime
Sanders Jr. shared a video on his father’s official X account and made it clear that the family is not allowing criticism to change its focus.
“I don’t think you understand how unfazed we are by everything or by anybody saying this or that,” he said. “God is too good, bro. The blessings are constantly coming in, even if it doesn’t seem like it to the outside world.”
He explained to them that winning remains the top priority.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
“From my standpoint, about me or my life, my dad, Shedeur, my brothers, my sisters, from a team standpoint, you just got to win,” he added. “You’re not tripping about what anybody says, because at the end of the day, their expectations, their words, and their whatever can’t be more harsh or more real than what we think ourselves. We have our own mission.”
#CoachPrime pic.twitter.com/C1kVeoe2Kn
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) September 6, 2026
So far, Coach Prime has given his sons a reason to stand firm. After the rough 2025 campaign, the Buffaloes opened the season with a dramatic 14-13 victory over Georgia Tech.
Colorado entered Week 1 as an underdog with questions surrounding its revamped roster and coaching staff. But in the end, Sanders and the Buffaloes clinched an important win.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Looking ahead, Colorado still has plenty to prove before anyone can discuss the College Football Playoff seriously. The program has not reached that stage under Sanders, with its strongest season coming in 2024 at 9-4.
However, the Georgia Tech victory gave the Buffaloes a much-needed boost and restored some belief in the program.
Now they have an opportunity to build momentum when they take on Weber State in Week 2.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
On the other hand, Shedeur’s situation looks far less promising.
After the preseason, the Cleveland Browns named him the primary backup to Deshaun Watson. Head coach Todd Monken made that decision after reviewing the offseason, training camp, joint practices, and two preseason games.
Watson finished the preseason with 16 completions on 27 attempts for 162 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. Sanders completed 15 of 22 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Then, Shedeur’s rookie season was also not convincing. In 2025, he posted a 63.0 PFN QB Impact grade, ranking 37th among 38 qualifying quarterbacks in 2025. The score also fell well below the 75.0 benchmark for an average starter.
Still, Sanders has kept his focus despite the setback. And Watson’s recent struggles and injury history could eventually reopen the door. If that happens, Shedeur will have another chance to show why the Browns should trust him.
