Former Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner recently weighed in on Shedeur Sanders’ Pro Day performance, sparking debate within the NFL community.
Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, showcased his skills in front of representatives from all 32 NFL teams at Colorado’s Pro Day. While his performance was largely praised for its accuracy and power, Warner highlighted a specific habit that could become a liability at the professional level — Sanders’ tendency to tap the football before throwing.
Kurt Warner Cautions Against Shedeur Sanders’ Signature Throwing Habit
Sanders, a projected early pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, drew attention for a particular habit of tapping the football before making throws. Warner, known for his quick release and precision, took to X to address the implications of that habit at the NFL level.
When a fan asked if Sanders’ signature tap could be an issue in professional football, Warner didn’t hold back. He acknowledged that while some quarterbacks use such motions for rhythm or comfort, they can become a liability under NFL speed and pressure.
“You have to be able to play without it, at least at times, or you WILL be late on certain throws,” Warner posted. He explained that although these habits may not cause problems on non-timing routes, they become critical when a quarterback must deliver the ball quickly.
Warner’s critique wasn’t solely about the tap itself — it was part of a broader point on mechanics and efficiency. He emphasized the importance of minimizing any delay between decision-making and ball release. Whether it’s a tap, a wind-up, or an extra hitch, Warner warned that any movement delaying a throw gives defenders an advantage.
“But the biggest thing is the time between mind making decision & arm throwing the ball,” he wrote. “Decisions happen fast & if it takes u a tick longer to get ball out after making decision that’s a tick you give back to the D!”
Warner added that while quarterbacks can’t speed up how quickly they process information, they can (and should) eliminate wasted movement. In his eyes, this includes the tap.
Warner stressed the necessity for quarterbacks to throw in tight windows without relying on rhythm habits, particularly in scenarios where split seconds determine outcomes.
As Sanders looks ahead to the NFL, Warner’s insights serve as a reminder of the thin margin for error at the next level. The former Super Bowl champion’s evaluation reflects not only concern but also a coach-like emphasis on efficiency and adaptability — traits every NFL quarterback must master.