Shedeur Sanders, one of the most talked-about quarterbacks entering the 2025 NFL Draft, was left waiting as the first round came and went without his name being called. And now, the sports world is asking—how did a quarterback with his numbers, pedigree, and poise not go in the first 32 picks? Coming off a standout season at Colorado under his father, Coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur put up elite numbers—over 4,100 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and a 74% completion rate in 2024 alone. He finished his college career with over 14,000 passing yards and 134 touchdowns, ranking among the top quarterbacks statistically. Awards followed, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. So on paper, the talent is undeniable. But behind the scenes, whispers started swirling. Some anonymous NFL coaches pointed to an “entitlement” issue—calling out Shedeur’s body language, decision-making under pressure, and how he interacted with teammates. One coach said outright that he “blamed others for his mistakes” and “carried himself like someone who had already made it.” Others accused him of trying to control the draft process, only wanting to land with select teams. Then there was the now-infamous report that his pre-draft interview with the New York Giants was “the worst ever,” which raised more red flags than answers. There are also uncomfortable conversations happening online and off: would a white quarterback with Shedeur’s production and leadership have faced the same scrutiny? Some fans—and even a few insiders—are saying the quiet part out loud. The coded language about “character” and “attitude” doesn’t always feel so coded when it’s consistently applied to Black quarterbacks. What makes this all the more puzzling is how many teams entered the draft desperate for quarterback help. The Steelers moved on from both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Giants clearly wanted a QB and traded up for Jaxson Dart. The Browns passed on Sanders at No. 5, and the Saints still have questions around Derek Carr’s longevity. The landing spots were there—but the call didn’t come. Still, Shedeur isn’t folding. After round one, he posted that the wait has only added “fuel to the fire,” and those close to him say he’s more focused than ever. Whether it’s late Day 2 or a surprise slide into Day 3, someone’s going to get a quarterback with both a chip on his shoulder and the stats to back it up. Because at the end of the day, you can’t coach hunger. And Shedeur’s got plenty.
