Deion Sanders Says Son Endured Difficult Draft Process and Rookie Season

Deion Sanders said his son Shedeur Sanders went through hell during the 2025 NFL draft process and his rookie season. The Colorado head coach made the comments in an interview with “The Barbershop” posted on YouTube on Thursday. “When he takes off his shirt, I see the scars on his back that he’s been through hell, but he’s made it through hell,” Deion Sanders said of his son.

He added that Shedeur Sanders kept going and matured spiritually. The 24-year-old came to understand that timing in his career could not be forced, according to his father. Deion Sanders blamed what he said was untruthful reporting before the draft.

“It was some ignorant things came out about him predraft and all that, and that was a lie,” he said. He stated that his son would never go into a meeting with headphones on or unprepared. The negative reporting continued after Shedeur Sanders was selected, Deion Sanders said.

“A lot of things that was said … it bothered me, but it didn’t bother him,” he said. Shedeur Sanders focused on earning an opportunity to play. Shedeur Sanders started seven games as a rookie. He completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

He also rushed for 169 yards and one touchdown and earned a Pro Bowl invitation. Deion Sanders said he wants to meet with the new head coach of the team that drafted his son. He coached Shedeur Sanders in high school and college and believes the conversation would help the player’s development.

He noted that similar input was not sought a year earlier. The team enters the offseason with four quarterbacks on its roster.