In a recent article, ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi provided a deep dive into the Cleveland Browns’ decision to draft Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. In the article, he disclosed that Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes head coach and Shedeur’s father, has a pre-existing relationship with the team’s quarterbacks coach, Bill Musgrave.
Deion Sanders and Bill Musgrave’s NFL Relationship
“He [Deion Sanders] is also familiar with Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, who was a teammate and good friend of his during their season together with the San Francisco 49ers in 1994,” Oyefusi wrote on ESPN.
The San Francisco 49ers’ 1994 season was a huge success, capped by a Super Bowl 29 win over the San Diego Chargers. After losing to the eventual champions, the Dallas Cowboys, in both 1992 and 1993, the 49ers made a splash by signing a free agent star, Sanders.
That decision paid off, with Sanders winning the Defensive Player of the Year and securing six interceptions. The team, led by quarterback Steve Young, also avenged the previous losses by beating the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game.
Musgrave was the backup quarterback to Young during that season, departing for the Denver Broncos in the subsequent season. Sanders also left after the Super Bowl win, signing with the Cowboys.
It remains to be seen if the relationship that dates back 30 years will assist Shedeur Sanders as he battles for the starting quarterback job with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders Also Spoke With Browns GM Andrew Berry
Oyefusi also noted that Coach Prime FaceTimed Browns general manager Andrew Berry following the draft.
“Deion Sanders FaceTimed [Andrew] Berry, with whom he built a good relationship throughout the predraft process, according to a source with knowledge of their conversations,” Oyefusi said.
READ MORE: Browns Insider Speculates Sanders May Not Make 53-Man Roster
The Browns traded up to stop Shedeur from sliding anymore in the fifth round, giving up two later picks to make sure they get their second quarterback of the draft. The Browns had previously selected Oregon’s Gabriel in the third round.
Following the draft, Berry complimented Sanders. At a press conference, he said, “We felt good with him as a person. He works hard. He’s a really good kid. He wants to be great. His teammates loved him in Colorado, and I know he’ll come in here ready to work, ready to try and put his best foot forward in all areas of competition.”