Shedeur Sanders has been a prominent face in the limelight ever since he suited up for Jackson State. But he’s learned to live with it for an even longer time. As the son of a bona fide NFL legend in Deion Sanders, the youngster has always been a constant face of media attention.
Thanks to his success on the gridiron, Sanders’ fame and scrutiny have gone up a different level, culminating in a major draft day slide into the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him. In a recent visit to his new community, Shedeur broke down what growing up as a Sanders was like.
Shedeur Sanders on Being Deion Sanders’ Son
Even though his draft stock and positioning fell far more dramatically than anyone anticipated, Sanders is quickly becoming a favorite in Cleveland. Since the draft concluded, he’s been very involved with the community, both in terms of appearances and with charity.
Recently, Sanders took the time out to visit John Marshall High School in the city, where he answered questions from the students. Entering the room to a raucous ovation, he was asked about the idea that he didn’t need to work for success because of his father.
“I feel like that’s just a tactic people use for people who come from good families. I didn’t fall into that. My dad is who he is, and I’m gonna be who I am when I grow up. But I’m still gonna be his son. So, I shifted my thoughts, that’s not a negative, that’s a positive.”
Instead, Sanders is grateful more than anything for the unique opportunity he has available to him.
“That’s why I’m happy when people say, ‘You did this, you did this.’ I’m thankful my dad took the opportunity to do what he was supposed to do.”
Sanders went on to explain the mantra he’s adopted after such a long life spent in the limelight.
“So that’s why I don’t ever feel shame or anything like that, and I never let outside influence kind of influence me as a person. So I’mma always be who I am, and I’mma say how I feel or be how I am. But I’m not gonna let somebody else’s negative thoughts or however they view me, affect how I think.”
For the youngsters in attendance, it became a beautiful evening with the NFL star, who also gave them some valuable life advice.