The 2025 NFL Draft was expected to be a coronation for Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Instead, it became one of the most talked-about draft slides in recent memory. Once projected as a first-round pick, Shedeur remained undrafted through the first four rounds, finally being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round at No. 144 overall. This unexpected drop sparked a wave of speculation, criticism, and rumors about both Shedeur’s attitude and the influence of his famous father.
Reports circulated throughout the pre-draft process that NFL teams were wary of Shedeur’s demeanor, with some evaluators perceiving “arrogance and entitlement”-traits many attributed to the “Prime Time” persona instilled by Deion Sanders. According to The Athletic’s Mike Jones, Deion’s strong influence and outspoken style may have contributed to teams’ hesitation, with some front offices reportedly put off by both Shedeur’s interviews and Deion’s public comments about wanting to guide his son’s NFL destination. Despite Shedeur’s impressive college stats and accolades, these perceptions seemed to outweigh his on-field accomplishments in the eyes of many decision-makers.
Deion Sanders’ Cryptic Response: “Truth Wins in the End”
Amid the swirling rumors and mounting criticism, Deion Sanders broke his silence with a cryptic social media post. “A lie don’t care who tells it or repeats it. Its goal is to be heard. The truth could be standing right in front of [you] consistently for years but [you] don’t see it because a lie is in your mind. The Truth may not be as popular as a lie but the Truth wins in the end,” Sanders wrote. The message, delivered as speculation about Shedeur’s draft slide reached a fever pitch, was widely interpreted as a defense of both his son and himself against what he views as unfair narratives and misinformation.
A lie don’t care who tells it or repeats it. Its goal is to be heard. The truth could be standing right in front of u consistently for years but u don’t see it because a lie is in your mind. The Truth may not be as popular as a lie but the Truth wins in the end. #CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 28, 2025
This isn’t the first time Deion has used social media to address criticism or controversy. He has previously posted similar messages about the value of truth over comforting lies, especially when facing accusations about his coaching methods or his handling of the Colorado program. The timing of this latest post, directly following Shedeur’s draft disappointment, suggests Deion sees the current situation as another example of public perception being shaped by rumor rather than reality.
What’s Next for Shedeur and the Sanders Family?
The Browns’ decision to trade up for Shedeur in the fifth round ended his agonizing wait, but it also means he missed out on millions in potential earnings compared to a first-round selection. Shedeur now enters a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, joining veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, another rookie drafted earlier by the Browns. Browns GM Andrew Berry acknowledged Shedeur’s impressive college career and accuracy, but said the team didn’t expect him to be available so late in the draft.
For Deion and the Sanders family, the draft saga has been a test of resilience and public image. As Shedeur prepares to prove his doubters wrong in Cleveland, Deion’s message is clear: he believes the truth about his son’s talent and character will ultimately prevail over the rumors and narratives that defined draft weekend.
The story of Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide and Deion Sanders’ cryptic response highlights the complex intersection of talent, perception, and media narratives in the NFL. As Shedeur embarks on his professional career, the Sanders family’s belief in “truth winning in the end” will be put to the test on and off the field.
