Shedeur Sanders has faced intense scrutiny in the NFL in recent weeks. A smear campaign threatens to damage his image. This directly impacts his standing in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many consider him a top prospect for the first round.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick claims that negative rumors about Sanders are spreading. Some seek to discredit his skills as a player.
The origin of the rumors against Shedeur Sanders
Riddick believes that his father, coach Deion Sanders, may have triggered this campaign. He explained:
“People have tried to bring down top prospects for years… Deion is a lightning rod. That’s where it starts. It doesn’t even begin with Shedeur. It starts with his father and then reaches him.”
“This has happened since I played with Deion in 1992… Some don’t like flashy players who can back it up.* They just don’t. Deion has always been polarizing for those who don’t know him. Shedeur shares some of his father’s traits, no doubt. How could he not? He is his son.”*
As the college football season ended, Shedeur Sanders had a strong chance of becoming the No. 1 overall pick. However, his ranking has dropped as the Draft approaches. Now, the 23-year-old risks falling out of the top five picks.
This situation stems more from negative rumors than his performance. His talent is undeniable. He is an excellent quarterback with all the tools to succeed in the NFL. In 2024, he recorded 4,134 passing yards, 10 interceptions, and 37 touchdowns.
Sanders’ precision has attracted teams eager to sign him. Will this campaign derail his rise? The Draft in April will provide the answer.
