Despite being the son of one of the most famous players in NFL history and breaking many records at Colorado, Shedeur Sanders did not hear his name called as early as he or the football world expected. Slipping into the 5th round, Sanders entered the NFL with both opportunity and doubt surrounding him. Now, during Thanksgiving break, his patience has finally paid off, as he has entered the NFL spotlight not just as a famous last name, but as a quarterback ready to prove that he belongs.
After breaking Colorado’s passing yards and touchdown records, many expected Shedeur to be a first-round pick. Despite his pre-draft hype and pedigree as Deion Sanders’ son, he did not hear his name called until the 5th round, when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Scouts cited concerns about his arm strength and character. Shedeur reportedly missed pre-draft meetings with teams he did not want to visit. Personality concerns, combined with his high-profile family, were enough to drop his draft stock. Many fans and analysts were stunned. Some called the drop “mind-blowing,” arguing he deserved to be drafted earlier. Others argued his stats were inflated by weak competition and that expectations as Deion Sanders’ son were unrealistic.
On average, it takes about three years for a 5th-round pick to make their first NFL start. After 10 weeks into the season, Shedeur had not yet had a chance. That changed in Week 11, when Browns starter Dillon Gabriel left the game against the Ravens in the third quarter. Sanders, promoted to second string after Joe Flacco was traded, stepped in ready to show what he could do.
As soon as fans learned he would play, the stadium erupted, but he struggled. The Browns lost 17-23, with Sanders completing 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and throwing an interception. Many thought this might be his last chance due to the limited opportunities usually given to 5th-round quarterbacks.
However, days before Thanksgiving, it was announced that Gabriel was still in concussion protocol, and Shedeur would make his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 24, 2025. Leading up to the game, Loyola community members shared their opinions. Mr. Haley, Algebra 1 teacher and soccer coach, questioned Sanders’ college success: “Shedeur put up some good stats in college, but against some pretty bad competition.” Haley was right—92.3% of Sanders’ 2024-25 opponents were unranked, producing little NFL-level talent. Haley added, “The Browns organization is known for failing quarterbacks. Look at Baker Mayfield on the Browns versus what he is doing on the Buccaneers. It’s unreal.”
In contrast, Tommy Lavia, a die-hard Colorado fan and junior at LHS, defended Sanders: “Shedeur is the most accurate quarterback Colorado has ever seen. People just hate on him because he’s Deion Sanders’ kid, and that’s not right.” Shedeur’s first start led the Browns to a 209-yard, 1-touchdown win against the Raiders, completing 11 of 20 passes with an interception. While not perfect, the victory improved the Browns to 3-8 and earned him another start against the San Francisco 49ers. Against the 49ers, Sanders completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown, but the Browns were destroyed 26-8. Haley’s prediction proved accurate: Sanders could beat weaker teams but struggled against elite defenses. Experience against top competition, lacking in his college career, is crucial.
Despite these challenges, the Browns showed confidence in Shedeur to be the franchise quarterback. His NFL journey is just beginning, and the upcoming starts will be key to proving he belongs at the professional level.
