Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Journey: From Fifth-Round Pick to Presidential Praise
In one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, fell to the fifth round where he was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Once touted as a possible first-round pick, Shedeur’s slide generated headlines, criticism, and commentary from voices far beyond the football field.
What began as a quiet fall on draft boards soon turned into a national discussion when Deion Sanders openly expressed his frustration at the Browns for initially passing on his son—especially after bringing back veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Though Shedeur ultimately ended up in Cleveland, the elder Sanders didn’t shy away from suggesting the move came later than it should have.
“You can ride with old school Flacco or get the future,” Deion posted on X (formerly Twitter), in a subtle jab that fans immediately linked to the Browns’ front office.
The controversy didn’t end there.
Adding fuel to the fire, former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to slam NFL executives for passing on Sanders. “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” Trump wrote. He praised Shedeur’s arm talent, athleticism, and football lineage, suggesting that the young QB had been overlooked due to politics or bias rather than performance.
This is not the first time Trump has inserted himself into sports controversies. His history of commentary on the NFL, including past clashes with the league over anthem protests and player activism, makes his support of Shedeur both headline-grabbing and polarizing.
Meanwhile, the Browns are attempting to shift the focus back to football. Team executives have indicated that they view Sanders as a developmental prospect with a high ceiling, someone who can grow behind Flacco while learning the system.
Some draft analysts say the slide may have been influenced by concerns about Sanders’ interviews with teams and perceived readiness for the pro level. Others believe media scrutiny and external narratives might have played a role.
For the Sanders family, however, this is just another opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. Shedeur now has a platform to write his own story in Cleveland, and Deion has made it clear that the motivation has never been stronger.
Unbiased Opinion:
The narrative surrounding Shedeur Sanders highlights just how complex and unpredictable the NFL Draft process has become. While falling to the fifth round may have been disappointing, it also gives Shedeur the underdog edge many athletes use to fuel their careers.
The reactions from Deion Sanders and Donald Trump underscore how deeply public sentiment and celebrity influence can impact the perception of a player’s draft stock. At the end of the day, it will be Shedeur’s performance on the field—not his draft slot—that defines his legacy.
Only time will tell whether Cleveland landed a future star or simply another name in a long line of draft-day debates. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Sanders when he steps onto the field.
