Deion Sanders Defends Son Shedeur Amid Draft Criticism

Shedeur Sanders, once considered a potential first-round pick and praised for his impressive college stats, went undrafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, sparking debate about his abilities and media coverage. While some analysts, like ESPN's Louis Riddick, suggested Sanders could have a career comparable to NFL greats, many fans and commentators criticized such comparisons as overhyped. Reports before the draft included negative anonymous quotes about his interviews and abilities, leading to pushback from his father, Deion Sanders, and others who argued the criticism was unduly personal. Despite support from figures like Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, teams like the Steelers and Giants passed on Sanders, causing his draft stock to fall unexpectedly. The situation has highlighted both the pressures faced by high-profile athletes and the intense scrutiny surrounding the NFL draft process. As Sanders awaits selection, discussion continues about whether doubts over his physical tools or the nature of media narratives are more to blame for his slide.