Shedeur Sanders continues to be a hot topic in the media and on social networks after his dramatic fall in the NFL Draft, where he was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns-who, interestingly, had already drafted another quarterback, Dillion Gabriel from the Oregon Ducks, two rounds earlier.
The quarterback from the Colorado Buffaloes had strong numbers and helped put the program back on the NCAA map. Based on his performance, one would expect him not necessarily to be the first overall pick, but certainly worthy of a first-round selection-or at the very least, the second round. Instead, he fell to pick number 144.
Sanders threw for 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, earning honors such as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He broke the school’s single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns. Yet, he was only taken in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Deion Sanders was seen as a risk by NFL Head Coaches
Several NFL head coaches passed on drafting Shedeur Sanders in the first round out of fear that if he didn’t succeed, they might be replaced by Deion Sanders, according to Robert Griffin III.
“I’m being told some NFL head coaches feared drafting Shedeur Sanders in the first round as a starter, it not working out, and then eventually being replaced by Deion Sanders as head coach. That’s weak and cowardly. It cost this man $40 million,” said Griffin III.
There’s no doubt Deion Sanders quietly dreams of becoming an NFL head coach. Since arriving at Colorado in 2022, he has transformed the program. In 2023, the team started strong (3-0) but finished 4-8. In 2024, they improved to 9-4 and played in the Alamo Bowl. Beyond the on-field results, Sanders drew huge media attention, boosted ticket sales, and signed a contract extension through 2030.
NFL coaches are reportedly worried because Deion Sanders has a buyout clause in his contract at Colorado that isn’t particularly restrictive. At any moment, an NFL team could pay it and hire him as head coach.
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