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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has expressed his commitment to supporting his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Buffaloes player Travis Hunter as they navigate their paths to the NFL Draft next year. During a segment on Fox Sports 1’s “Speak,” co-host Keyshawn Johnson posed a question about whether Deion would step in if a less-than-ideal team selected Shedeur in the draft.
Both Shedeur and Hunter are anticipated to be first-round selections. According to recent rankings by Dane Brugler, 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.
Although Deion refrained from naming specific teams he prefers 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 crucial to have a team that can appreciate the quarterback he is and knows what he can achieve,” Deion explained. “It’s about finding an organization with a proven track record in developing quarterbacks and one that has the necessary support system in place. You don’t want to throw him into a situation where he lacks the backing he needs.”
He also noted that while Shedeur has had to deal with challenging offensive lines, the overall support structure is what truly matters for his success.
Currently, the Buffaloes hold a 7-2 record and are ranked 17th in the latest College Football Playoff standings. They are set to host Utah this Saturday and are positioned second in the Big 12, vying for both a conference championship and a playoff berth.
Hunter has recently topped The Athletic’s Heisman Straw Poll, further highlighting his impact this season.
Deion has been a constant presence in Shedeur’s football journey, coaching him from youth leagues through high school and at Jackson State before their joint move to Colorado after the 2022 season. When asked about potential coaching opportunities with the Dallas Cowboys—where he played for five seasons—Deion reaffirmed his contentment at Colorado.
“Shedeur has started every game in high school and all but one in college. He possesses a remarkable talent that’s almost divine, and his passion for football is evident,” Deion stated. “What I want is for him to be pushed to reach the next level—not merely to be drafted by a team that might not have the right environment for him.”
This situation brings to mind the experiences of Eli Manning, who, alongside his father Archie, famously refused to play for the San Diego Chargers when they held the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Their concerns stemmed from the franchise’s management, particularly regarding 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 on the same day.
Deion recalls a similar moment during his own draft process in 1989, when the New York Giants required prospects to undergo a two-hour psychological evaluation at the NFL Scouting Combine. After discovering that the Giants had the 18th pick, he opted out of the evaluation entirely, illustrating his determination to control his path.
“I told them, ‘I’ll leave before I go through that. I don’t have time for this,’” Deion reflected in a 2017 interview, underscoring his resolve 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 find themselves in environments conducive to their success.
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