Shedeur Sanders’ off field interests are raising concerns among potential NFL teams that might draft him

Some believe that if Shedeur Sanders isn’t the number one quarterback selected, he’ll be number two, just behind another notable NCAA player, Cam Ward of the Miami Hurricanes. Both players top the lists for most teams heading into April.

However, one of Shedeur Sanders’ hobbies is sparking debate and concern. The 23-year-old, besides playing football, also enjoys rapping and is passionate about it. Earlier this month, he even released a single called “Life.”

The Issue with Shedeur Sanders

This passion for music has raised eyebrows. Some critics argue that this interest might distract him from focusing entirely on football.

Former quarterback Boomer Esiason believes Shedeur Sanders’ passion for music could be a double-edged sword. Esiason thinks a player on the verge of being drafted by a major team should be fully committed to football.

“The reason why I say it’s an issue is that I don’t want my team leader worrying about a rap career or any other career outside of football… I want my quarterback to be the team leader. I want him to focus solely on football and nothing else,” Esiason said about Shedeur Sanders.

Boomer wants a rookie focused on football after hearing Shedeur Sanders’ new song.

Listen: https://t.co/YMVvEC4AQP pic.twitter.com/YNmz50yTgP

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 14, 2025

NFL professional vs. musical passion

Professional athletes in almost every sport can have hobbies, but the criticisms of Shedeur Sanders are not unfounded. Many teams want to recruit young players who are fully dedicated to football.

For example, there were concerns about Myles Garrett’s “nerdy” hobbies outside of football. However, after being selected as the number one draft pick, he continues to prove himself as one of the most dominant defenders in the NFL. The same could happen with Shedeur Sanders.

Nevertheless, NFL franchises invest millions in these players and have high expectations for them. Although it’s too early to tell if  Sanders will meet these expectations, it’s understandable that the team drafting him wants him to focus on his athletic career, not his musical one.

The balancing act

Several teams have already shown interest in Shedeur Sanders’ potential, making it almost certain he will be among the top draft picks. Despite his musical career, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback has shown his talent over the past two seasons.

It remains to be seen how Shedeur Sanders will balance these two passions and whether his musical career will interfere with his future in the NFL.