In a frank and open discussion surrounding his son Shedeur Sanders’ draft process, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders discussed his feelings around the tumult. While the old saying of “treating your players like family” applies, the slings and arrows of criticism hit deep when the player is actually your child.
While not a stranger to critique and controversy, the Buffaloes’ leader became a spectator in the drama maelstrom that enveloped his son. When football and family intertwine, the results are not always the most positive.
Deion Sanders Discusses Depth of Draft Criticism Leveled at His Son
Since 1988, the Hall of Fame corner has understood the media. Now, as a head coach, Sanders watches his children endure the same cutting commentary that found him almost 40 years ago. When the 2025 NFL Draft cycle commenced, the former Colorado quarterback looked to go in the top 10 of the first round.
Based on his athletic ability and multiple teams’ need for a franchise quarterback, the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year looked to become a franchise quarterback. However, after a series of alleged botched interviews, the younger Sanders’ draft stock plummeted. The Cleveland Browns ultimately selected him with a fifth-round pick.
While a guest on the “Say What Needs to Be Said” podcast with fellow former NFL defensive back Asante Samuel, the coach details his feelings watching his son go through the draft process and how negative perceptions morphed into storylines around his son.
“They want to attach these stories and create narratives about a kid that ain’t never done anything wrong. You’re not going to catch them in any foolery or any mess,” Coach Prime said.
🔥 The Draft. Coach Prime Gets Personal. Opens Up for the First Time
“You have no idea. It did hurt”
📽️ @pick_six22 https://t.co/qReBNZenQv pic.twitter.com/P1tUBz8chT
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) June 1, 2025
“When you sit up there and say something like, ‘He went into a meeting unprepared.’ Dude, Shedeur Sanders, who has six different coordinators, still functioned and leveled up every time we brought someone new in. You’re going to tell me that he had on headphones? You have no idea. It did hurt.”
Now, in all honesty, no one thought the Colorado passer would hear his name called first. However, leading the nation in completion percentage behind an offensive line that surrendered 43 sacks, tying them for 126th in the FBS, needed to count for something. While nothing concrete emerged from these meetings and many took the whispers as undisputed fact, the negativity overtook the player’s actual ability.
Moreover, the elder Sanders did not help matters when it appeared that he chose to meddle in the process, further irritating team officials. The younger Sanders, based on his skill set, can succeed at the professional level. With that said, instead of playing a larger role, his father may need to retreat and let the play speak for itself.