The emotional turmoil surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft experience deepened as day two unfolded, culminating in a particularly disheartening moment witnessed by thousands online.
While live-streaming his draft party on Twitch alongside family and friends, Sanders answered what he believed was an incoming call from an NFL general manager. A broad smile lit up his face as he responded, “I’m good, been waiting on you.” However, the caller, revealed to be a prankster, delivered news that would quickly extinguish his optimism: “You’ll have to wait a little longer.”
The unexpected blow visibly affected Sanders, and the surrounding atmosphere shifted as his family exchanged worried glances. He subsequently ended the Twitch stream.
Sanders’ surprising slide throughout the draft has been one of this year’s most prominent and controversial narratives. Expectations were high following Cam Ward’s selection as the first overall pick on Thursday, with many anticipating Sanders would soon follow as the second quarterback taken. Instead, Jaxson Dart was unexpectedly chosen by the Giants late in the first round, followed by Tyler Shough being drafted by the Saints early in the second – both players previously projected to be selected much later.
The unusual sequence of events prompted immediate reactions from within Sanders’ family. On Thursday night, brother Shilo Sanders voiced his concern, stating, “Bro, if they don’t take you right now, it’s something going on.”
Addressing his family after the first day concluded, Shedeur Sanders expressed resilience and faith:
“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything is possible. I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All of this is fuel to the fire… We understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary.”
The draft proceedings even drew commentary from former President Donald Trump, who criticized NFL owners as “stupid” for overlooking Sanders. In a Truth Social post, he wrote:
- “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?”
- “Deion Sanders was a great college football player and even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness.”
- “He should be “picked” IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!”
Former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman also weighed in on the situation, suggesting Sanders’ draft slide was rooted in racial bias: “America continues to fear strong black men.” He further elaborated on X, noting that “The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur] Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper.”
