When the 2025 NFL Draft began, many projected Shedeur Sanders to be a top-three selection. But when the dust settled, the Colorado standout found himself still on the board deep into Day 3.
In what became one of the most shocking slides of the draft, Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round.
Despite the fall, Shedeur hasn’t let disappointment define his rookie experience. With the Browns now carrying four active quarterbacks in rookies Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, the battle for a permanent spot on the 53-man roster is already underway.
Initial concerns were raised when Sanders appeared to miss some of the Browns’ 11-on-11 reps during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
That led to speculation about his standing with the coaching staff and whether he was falling behind in what many are calling one of the league’s most competitive quarterback rooms. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski stepped in to ease concerns.
Sanders returns to reps and shows gratitude for the moment
Stefanski clarified the situation by stating that Sanders’ absence from the 11-on-11 drills was not indicative of anything negative.
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“He participated in other practices,” Stefanski noted, dismissing any panic over his availability. Sanders later returned to team drills and resumed work during the OTAs, continuing to show his skill set in front of coaches and teammates.
Shortly after rejoining the team for those critical practice reps, Shedeur shared a succinct but powerful message on X.
“Thank you GOD,” he wrote-three simple words that revealed his gratitude and unshaken faith.
Sanders’ path to the NFL has always been marked by confidence and resilience. After transferring from Jackson State to Colorado to play under his father, Coach Deion Sanders, the quarterback helped lead a turnaround for the Buffaloes.
He capped off the 2024 season with a 9-4 record and earned the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award-an honor given to the nation’s top senior or upperclassman quarterback for performance, character, and leadership.
But draft weekend brought a humbling moment. Shedeur’s name wasn’t called on Day 1 or Day 2, and Coach Prime later admitted how tough it was to watch.
On the “Say What Needs to Be Said” podcast, Deion Sanders spoke candidly with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel about how emotionally difficult it was seeing his son’s name continue to go uncalled.
“It did hurt,” Deion admitted, adding that he believed rumors about Shedeur’s character and supposed lack of preparation had unfairly influenced teams. Still, he praised his son for keeping his composure and remaining motivated.