If the NFL wanted to send a loud message that nepotism has no place at this level, they sure delivered it-maybe a little harshly for some, but crystal clear to everyone watching. Fans across the country were left stunned when Shedeur’s name wasn’t called early, and many couldn’t help but wonder if Deion Sander’s larger-than-life presence played a part in that.
Deion has always been a polarizing figure in sports, and it’s no secret that not everyone is a fan of his coaching style or his sometimes over-the-top persona. That star power was on full display the second the New Orleans Saints picked a different quarterback instead of his son. Deion’s disapproval was immediate and obvious.
The Deion effect might have cost Shedeur
He even claimed that the Saints had originally leaned toward picking Shedeur before changing course. It was hard for many to process how Shedeur, considered by some a top prospect, didn’t hear his name called. Deion’s frustration made one thing clear: in his eyes, Shedeur was the key that could have unlocked a new level for the Saints-no disrespect to Tyler Shough, the QB they chose instead.
Quarterback is always one of the most controversial positions in the draft, but this year, the drama felt even bigger. Some insiders suggested that Shedeur’s drop wasn’t just about his skillset-it was about fit. Apparently, the Sanders family’s outspoken, high-profile style didn’t sit well with certain teams. It’s been said that Deion raised his sons to “show up and show out,” and not every NFL front office was ready to embrace that attitude in their locker room.
Some experts pointed out that while Shedeur is clearly a gifted athlete with tons of potential, NFL teams are looking for more than just talent. Word around the league was that many executives didn’t love how Deion positioned his sons, making humility seem like a missing piece of the puzzle. It was less about Shedeur’s game and more about how the package was being presented-something that apparently rubbed some teams the wrong way.
Talent wasn’t the only thing teams were judging
Ironically, Shedeur ended up exactly where Deion once said he wouldn’t let him go. The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 144th overall-a far cry from the first-round expectations. It’s a tough pill to swallow considering Deion had been vocal about only letting his son land somewhere that met his personal standards. Turns out, when your name’s still on the board deep into Day 3, those standards start to shift.
This week, the Sanders family got served a massive slice of humble pie, and fans across the league are calling it one of the biggest lessons Deion’s ever gotten-despite all his famous speeches about character and perseverance. For once, it wasn’t about the talk; it was about facing the reality.
Deion probably thought wearing all the hats-coach, mentor, agent-would give Shedeur a better shot. Instead, it may have backfired. After being projected as a first-rounder, Shedeur’s freefall into the fifth round was a shocker. And the ultimate twistwas how Deion had once made it clear that teams like Browns weren’t good enough for his son. But after slipping that far, it was clear there was no more room for being choosy. It’s safe to say Deion didn’t agree with the Saints’ pick-or the handful of quarterbacks selected before his own superstar.
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