Deion Sanders defends son Shedeur amid NFL draft scrutiny

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders never sweated his own trajectory in the NFL draft, a journey he could dictate thanks to his dual-sport prowess. With the New York Yankees having selected him the year prior for baseball, he had the upper hand to choose his pro football team: Atlanta. Today, he remains unstressed over the draft experiences of his sons, even as his highly praised quarterback son Shedeur faces significant criticism and his safety son Shilo encounters projections of being left undrafted.

“You’ve got to understand, when that last name is on your back, you’re going to face critiques and disparagement from detractors,” Sanders explained. Nonetheless, he declared that his sons “are built for this.” They grew up learning to manage criticism and ignore negativity.
For the past two years, Sanders coached both Shedeur and Shilo at Colorado, having coached Shedeur for two years earlier at Jackson State. Shilo joined the family in Boulder in 2023 after his stint at South Carolina.
Sanders often wonders about the amount of backlash he might have faced in 1989 had today’s level of constant scrutiny been present.
“They deal with far more ignorance than I did,” Sanders reflected. “I received some criticism, but having the vast platforms of social media and other channels today was absent from that era. I mean, being a two-sport star back then, I imagine the barrage of negativity could have been intense. But I was unique.”
The star athlete made his intention known to play for the Falcons, who ultimately chose him fifth overall in the 1989 NFL draft. He noted, “My kids don’t have the privilege of dictating their destination.”
Shedeur Sanders, anticipating a first-round selection, mentioned he doesn’t need New York’s spotlight or Las Vegas’ glitz to gain attention. “I can bring the cameras and attention anywhere,” he said confidently, adding that constant attention won’t faze him. His upbringing by his father ingrained the ability to remain composed under pressure.
“One thing I’ve learned is to disregard opinions from those outside our circle,” Shedeur revealed.
In the event Shilo remains undrafted, expectations hold that his opportunity could come from a team seeking his contribution as an undrafted free agent. “All he needs is a team willing to give him a chance,” Sanders emphasized.
Sanders remains optimistic, asserting, “We’ve already triumphed. We’ve come from private schooling, from an HBCU background. That in itself is a victory. Shedeur is getting drafted in the first round. Shilo will find his path. We’ve already won, truly.”
Before becoming “Coach Prime,” Sanders earned the nickname “Neon Deion” and eventually “Prime Time,” showcasing bold confidence on the NFL field and MLB diamond. He clinched a remarkable 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 1989 NFL scouting combine—just shy of the 2024 record.
Reflecting, Sanders humorously recalled not stretching before his run, likening himself to a cheetah pouncing on its prey. His sons, particularly Shedeur, share this self-assured nature, evident in his celebrated touchdown gestures.
Reportedly, Shedeur’s confidence was a concern for at least one team at the combine, while others welcomed such assuredness.
“I’m not sure what others expect of my sons,” Sanders observed. “They carry their father’s legacy.”
Shilo, however, faced critique from his performance in one college game against Kansas State following an injury.
“Shilo boasts years of impeccable game footage,” praised his father. “That one atypical game shouldn’t overshadow consistent excellence. Shilo is a stalwart competitor adapting to modern athletic standards.”
In his collegiate career, Shedeur Sanders’ stats showcased 14,347 total passing yards, 134 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions across 50 games, with a 70.1% completion rate and 17 rushing touchdowns.
“And suddenly his arm is perceived as weak?” jested his father.
In addition to his sons, Sanders treats Travis Hunter, a standout two-way player for the Buffaloes and a Heisman recipient, as one of his own. A year prior, Sanders predicted Hunter and Shedeur to top the 2025 NFL draft, a belief he still fervently supports.
Sanders asserts, “I stand by that statement. They’re the best two in the upcoming draft.”