Deion Sanders has been a game-changer for the Colorado Buffaloes ever since he took the helm. After the team struggled to a 1-11 record in 2022, Sanders turned things around, leading them to a 4-8 record in 2023 and a strong 9-4 record last season. His larger-than-life persona and coaching prowess have turned heads and brought hope to Boulder. Now, as he enters his fifth year as a college coach-and his first without his son, Shedeur Sanders, on the roster-the focus is shifting. The praise he once received for turning the team around is now overshadowed by accusations that he’s strong-arming the media and keeping a tight lid on information about Shedeur.
Deion Sanders From Turnaround to Controversy
Whispers about Sanders’s media tactics have grown into a roar. Critics say he has journalists walking on eggshells, afraid to investigate his or his son’s story. During an appearance on the Maggie and Perloff show, draft expert Lance Zierlein dropped a bombshell, saying, “The media is scared of Deion-at least the national folks on TV. They’re terrified of the backlash from him and his fans online.”
Zierlein pointed to Shedeur’s messy pre-draft process, suggesting that Deion’s influence may have muddied the waters. From a questionable game IQ to misjudging his own value, Shedeur’s mistakes were obvious-yet Deion has somehow avoided criticism. This has led people to question whether he is bulletproof or simply adept at controlling the press.
Shedeur’s Draft Drop: Curse or Covert Win?
Perhaps this explains Shedeur Sanders’s draft tumble. Once projected as a first-round pick, possibly even a top-10 selection, he fell all the way to the fifth round, stretching into the draft’s final day. To me, it’s a silver lining. First, it kept the media buzzing-less about who went early and more about Shedeur’s slide, which boosted his name recognition.
Second, he dodged the heat of a QB1 spotlight. If he had been drafted in the first round, the pressure would have been intense. Now, with Cleveland, he’s not expected to start in Week 1. However, with their quarterback carousel, he’ll get his shot. If he seizes the opportunity, he could secure the position and change the narrative.
Sanders’ media maneuvering might have played a role here, intentionally or not. By dodging tough questions, he’s kept Shedeur’s flaws out of the spotlight, setting him up for a slower burn in the NFL. As Deion faces a season without his star quarterback, the Buffaloes’ fortunes-and his own reputation-hang in the balance. Can he keep the magic alive, or will the cracks in his media shield start to show?
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