Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders Reflects on NFL Draft Journey

In Cleveland, Ohio, Shedeur Sanders, the newly drafted quarterback, opened up about his unexpected journey in the 2025 NFL Draft. Once projected as a possible Day 1 pick, Sanders faced a surprising slide to the fifth round. During a recent visit to John Marshall High School, he expressed that some of the negative opinions surrounding him are unfairly linked to his father, the famous Colorado coach, Deion Sanders.

“They don’t care about other people’s opinions of you,” Sanders explained in an interview. He mentioned that most negativity directed at him relates to his father’s past, saying that “99% of hatred is toward pops. And then I’m just his son.” To the younger generation, Deion’s NFL days feel distant, and they are more interested in Shedeur as a player. “When I come in person, there’s no negativity I see. But it’s all over online,” he added.

At the draft, emotions ran high for Sanders. He was visibly shocked when passed over for Louisville’s Tyler Shough at No. 40 overall. Reports indicated that his decision to skip throwing at the NFL combine and his approach to team interviews affected how franchises viewed him. Despite the ups and downs, Sanders remains focused on growth and impressing the Cleveland coaching staff during rookie minicamp.

“I just feel like in life, everything is just me versus me,” he noted. “I can’t control any other decision besides that.” His father, Deion, has also discussed the impact of social media on Shedeur’s draft stock, labeling many posts as “lies” that shaped perceptions. He previously mentioned that certain teams were not suitable for his son, hinting at family preferences during the selection process.

As Shedeur Sanders steps into his new role with the Cleveland Browns, he seems determined to carve out his own path and prove his worth based on his skills and dedication to the game.