Colorado coach Deion Sanders expressed his commitment to supporting his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Buffaloes player Travis Hunter as they navigate their path to the NFL Draft next year. During a segment on Fox Sports 1's “Speak,” co-host Keyshawn Johnson asked a question about whether Deion would step in if a less-than-ideal team selected Shedeur in the draft.
Both Shedeur and Hunter are projected to be first-round selections. According to Dane Brugler's recent rankings, Hunter is currently the top prospect for the NFL Draft, while Shedeur is ranked 23rd, placing him third among quarterbacks behind Miami's Cam Ward and Alabama's Jalen Milroe.
While Deion refrained from naming the specific teams he favors for Shedeur, he outlined the qualities he believes are essential for a suitable landing spot. He emphasized the importance of an organization that understands the unique abilities of a quarterback like Shedeur.
“It's critical to have a team that can appreciate the quarterback that he is and know what he can achieve,” Deion explained. “It's about finding an organization with a proven track record of developing quarterbacks and having the necessary support system in place. You don't want to throw him into a situation where he lacks the support he needs.
He also noted that while Shedeur has faced challenging offensive lines, the overall support structure is what truly matters to his success.
Currently, the Buffaloes hold a 7-2 record and are ranked 17th in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. They will host Utah on Saturday and sit second in the Big 12, vying for both a conference championship and a playoff berth.
Hunter recently topped The Athletic's Heisman Straw poll, further highlighting his impact this season.
Deion has been a constant presence on Shedeur's football journey, coaching him from youth leagues through high school and at Jackson State before their joint move to Colorado following the 2022 season. When asked about potential coaching opportunities with the Dallas Cowboys, where he played for five seasons, Deion reaffirmed his satisfaction in Colorado.
“Shedeur started every game in high school and all but one in college. He has extraordinary, almost divine talent and his passion for the game is evident,” Deion said. “What I want is for him to be pushed to reach the next level, not simply picked up by a team that may not have the 'right environment for him.”
This situation is reminiscent of the experiences of Eli Manning, who, along with his father Archie, refused to play for the San Diego Chargers when they had the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Their concerns stemmed from the management of the franchise, particularly regarding it's about how they handled issues that arose during Ryan Leaf's time there. Ultimately, the Chargers selected Manning but traded him to the New York Giants the same day.
Deion recalls a similar moment during his draft process in 1989, when the New York Giants asked prospects to undergo a two-hour psychological evaluation at the NFL Scouting Combine. After finding out the Giants had the 18th pick, he gave up on the evaluation entirely, demonstrating his determination to control his path.
“I told them, 'I'm going to leave before I go through this. I don't have time for this,” Deion reflected in a 2017 interview, underscoring his determination to make choices that align with his values.
As the NFL Draft approaches, both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter will undoubtedly benefit from Deion's guidance and support, ensuring they are in environments conducive to their success.
