“This one is personal. I’m not an avid football fan per se – only watching when it gets to playoffs and championships. However, this year’s draft being in the news after the end of Round 1, got me curious as the whole process unfolded. I couldn’t shake what it revealed —not just about football, but about race, power, and legacy…”. Read along …

The NFL Draft (or any Professional Sport’s Draft for that matter) is supposed to be a celebration of talent, grit, and hard work. But every now and then, it exposes something deeper — something uncomfortable. This year, the spotlight was supposed to shine bright on Shedeur Sanders, an elite college quarterback, Heisman hopeful, and the son of football legend Deion Sanders.

But instead of being front and center in early draft buzz, Shedeur’s name was curiously quiet — more debated than celebrated.

Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft — where he was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns — has sparked significant discussion in the football community. Once projected as a top-three pick, his drop raised eyebrows and prompted various theories about the reasons behind it.

Why?

Well, depending on who you ask, it was about draft timing, team needs, or development. But if you listen closely — and watch even closer — you’ll see a more subtle truth unfold: legacy, when it’s bold, Black, and unapologetic, isn’t always welcomed.

Alleged Factors Contributing to the Draft Slide

1. Pre-Draft Process and Interviews:

Reports indicate that Sanders’ interactions with NFL teams during the pre-draft process may have negatively impacted his stock. An anonymous NFL assistant coach described his interview with Sanders as the “worst” he had experienced, citing concerns about Sanders’ attitude and body language. Similarly, an AFC executive mentioned that Sanders appeared intent on dictating terms, which raised red flags about his coachability.  

2. Perceived Entitlement and External Influence:

Some analysts suggest that the public comments made by Sanders’ father, Deion Sanders, may have inadvertently harmed his son’s draft prospects. Deion was vocal about wanting Shedeur to join a team with a strong offensive line and winning culture, which some teams interpreted as an attempt to control the draft process. This perception of entitlement may have deterred teams from selecting him earlier.   

3. On-Field Performance and Evaluation:

While Sanders had impressive college statistics, including a 74% completion rate and over 4,000 passing yards in his final season, scouts noted areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks, and his average arm strength. Some evaluators compared him to quarterbacks like Geno Smith, suggesting that while he has potential, he may not be ready to lead an NFL team immediately.    

Reactions and Controversy

The dramatic fall in Sanders’ draft position led to varied reactions. NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin accused the league of collusion, suggesting that teams deliberately allowed Sanders to fall in the draft, costing him significant earnings. In contrast, Cris Carter attributed the slide to missteps by the Sanders family, particularly in handling the pre-draft process.   

Adding to the controversy, a prank call during the draft, where a coach’s son falsely informed Sanders of a first-round selection, led to fines for the Atlanta Falcons and their defensive coordinator.  

When the Father Becomes the “Problem”

Deion Sanders has never been a background figure. He’s charismatic, vocal, smart, and unapologetically proud of his children. Like a good father should, right? That’s supposed to be a good thing. But in a league still ruled by old-school norms and coded expectations, his outspokenness didn’t sit well with everyone.

Many alluded to Deion’s previous comment about not wanting his son to enter the Draft just to land “behind a bad offensive line.” That wasn’t just a-father-protecting-his-son comment, but it was a statement from a man with power refusing to bow. And that, more than anything, in my opinion, had made the league uncomfortable.

Other fathers – ones from the “old boys’ club” – have done far more to control outcomes. I remembered when Eli Manning refused to play for the Chargers in 2004 and engineered a trade to the Giants. Nobody blinked. Archie Manning was hailed as a savvy, protective patriarch. I ask, why not Deion?

But Deion got painted as controlling. Loud. Disruptive. And as a result, his son’s draft stock suffered — not because of performance, but because of perception.

Kissing the Ring

I understand that there’s a quiet expectation in elite institutions — especially in sports — even at high school and college levels – that you must kiss the ring. Not literally, but symbolically.

Kiss the Ring:
Show deference. Be humble. Don’t shake the table. Especially if you’re young. Especially if you’re Black.

Shedeur didn’t kiss the ring. Neither did Deion. And the reaction wasn’t celebration — it was resistance. Their boldness was treated not as confidence but as arrogance. Their protection of legacy was framed as entitlement.

And let’s be frank and honest — if Shedeur were white, with a Super Bowl-winning father and a squeaky-clean image, would the conversation be the same? Would his decision to delay the draft be criticized or praised as strategic maturity?

The NFL Isn’t Just About Football

It’s about power, image, and control. It’s about comfort levels in executive boardrooms. I’ve been in executive meetings where my sheer presence was unwelcome no matter how broad my smiles were. And sometimes, it’s about who is allowed to lead loudly and who is expected to stay in line.

Shedeur is clean-cut. Well-spoken. Disciplined. Academically strong. But it appeared that none of that mattered as much as the shadow some believed his father cast. That speaks volumes about what the league still values — and fears.

What Young Athletes Need to Know

To every young Black athlete watching: this isn’t a reason to be discouraged. It’s a reason to be prepared.

• You’ll need to be excellent—but also media savvy.
•   You’ll need to guard your image — but not let others define you.
•  And you may face double standards — but you can still rise above them.

The sad narrative is that legacy isn’t always embraced when it comes from your family. But that doesn’t mean you don’t build it anyway.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Sanders’ journey is far from over. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury, there’s an opportunity for Sanders to compete for playing time with the Browns. Analysts like Keyshawn Johnson have expressed optimism about his potential to become a future leader for the team.    

While the draft outcome was unexpected, Sanders now has the chance to prove his critics wrong and establish himself in the NFL.

And that? That’s how you win without kissing the ring.

Thanks to the Cleveland Browns

When everyone thinks it’s over, someone, somewhere always says, it’s just beginning.

Thanks to the Team that still gave Shedeur a chance amidst the alleged “collusion.” My prayer is that he would overwhelmingly exceed all expectations.

Call to Action

Let’s talk about it.

Have you ever felt judged not for your actions but for your associations—your family, your confidence, your refusal to shrink? I have. How did you handle it?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, repost with your take, and tag someone raising a bold child in a cautious world.

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Stay tuned for Part 2: Should Shedeur Sanders (the son) be slighted because of his father, Deion Sanders?