The NFL Draft unfolded unexpectedly for Shedeur Sanders, who saw his stock plummet further than anticipated.
After failing to hear his name called in Thursday’s opening round, Sanders wasn’t even selected as a quarterback until the second round on Friday. The New Orleans Saints chose Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick, passing over Sanders entirely.
Just months ago, some analysts considered Sanders a potential top pick, while Shough was ranked as the fifth-best quarterback available in this draft class.
The unexpected slide has left Sanders waiting for an opportunity, as NFL teams explore alternative options at the quarterback position.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation Friday, expressing criticism of team owners. “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” he questioned in a post on Truth Social.
Trump continued: “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.”
The conversation extended beyond politics as former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman offered another perspective. Bowman suggested Sanders’ drop was rooted in societal biases.
“The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur]Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper,” Bowman stated on X. “They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no O-line and no running game. He’s entitled but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?”
Bowman added, “He’s not athletic, but that didn’t stop Joe Montana, Drew Brees or Tom Brady. America continues to fear strong black men who come from means and have a strong sense of themselves without submitting to the ‘dominant’ culture.”
Following the first night of the draft, Sanders addressed his family in a video shared by his brother, Deion Sanders Jr.
“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything is possible, everything is possible,” Sanders said. “I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All of this is fuel to the fire.”
He concluded: “Under no circumstances did we all know this was going to happen, but we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary.”
