Some debates in football seem never-ending when it comes to professional technique. Just a few days ago, Deion Sanders mocked the T-step used by cornerbacks, calling it useless and saying he actively encourages his players not to use the technique.
Another technique — or perhaps habit — that continues to spark debate between coaches and players is whether quarterbacks should “pat the ball” before throwing. The concern is whether this movement gives away any cues to defenders, such as tipping off a defensive back or helping an edge rusher time the play.
Recently, a clip from Shedeur Sanders’ Pro Day sparked discussion across social media, with some defenders criticizing the habit — while an offensive player stepped in to defend it.
Should Shedeur Sanders Quit Patting the Ball? NFL Players Debate
A video of Shedeur Sanders throwing during his Pro Day at Colorado went viral — and usually, when a Pro Day clip goes viral, it’s either because of over-the-top excitement about a 60-yard off-platform throw, or a small detail that raises concern among fans.
In this case, it was a habit: Sanders patted the ball a lot, enough to catch the attention of NFL fans and defenders alike, who suggested the quarterback work on eliminating the habit.
Shedeur Sanders Pro Day Highlights 🔥 #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/Lx8p98opMq
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) April 4, 2025
The first player to speak out was cornerback Andre Cisco, who spent the past four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and signed with the New York Jets this offseason.
On his X account, Cisco commented: “Boy better stop patting that ball, we breakin onnat earlyyyy.”
Some users responded by saying Cisco was overreacting, pointing out that most quarterbacks pat the ball. And they’re right. Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and many other legendary quarterbacks had the same habit, which persists across the NFL today.
Micah Parsons, edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, jumped into the conversation — explaining that a simple pat on the ball can be the difference between a quarterback getting sacked or getting the throw off in time.
You realize at Pat on the ball can be difference between a sack or a throw away/completion? https://t.co/DWNLmbItSi
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) April 5, 2025
Those who defend the habit argue that it helps quarterbacks stay in rhythm — and that when the motion is subtle and natural, it happens too quickly to give any real tip to the defense.
Darius Slayton, wide receiver for the New York Giants, stepped up to defend the quarterback who could soon become his teammate — if the franchise decides to select Sanders with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Slayton took a shot at the defenders criticizing the habit, saying many of them miss basic reads and think they’ll pick something up from a simple pat.
“I promise he can pat the ball and be just fine. If DBs were so good at breaking on ball pats, they’d all have eight-plus picks a year. Same guys that fall for a two-man dagger concept and give up the dig on third & long every season all season long talking about a ball pat, what a joke”, he commented on his account.
😂😂I promise he can pat the ball and be just fine if DB’s was so good at breaking on ball pats they’d all have 8+ picks a year. Same guys that fall for a 2 man dagger concept and give up the dig on 3rd&long every season all season long talkin bout a ball pat what a joke😂 https://t.co/8EmvJSPIjP
— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) April 5, 2025
Whether or not this becomes a real issue in Shedeur Sanders’ game is something we’ll only know once he steps onto an NFL field. But one thing’s for sure: patting the ball was never a problem for seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.