Ever since Shedeur Sanders dropped the legendary statement, “If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t (pick) me,” the hype was unreal. Analysts predicted him as a direct competitor against the Miami QB Cam Ward.
But things changed as the draft came closer. His video of patting the ball before passing gained traction. The viral video even caused a fight on X (formerly Twitter) between Cowboys LB Micah Parsons and Giants WR Darius Slayton. Eventually, the Colorado QB began on a free fall. At one point, everyone feared a Case Keenum-like scenario, who went undrafted despite an impressive college record.
However, the Browns drafted him in the 5th round (144th overall). While he was happy, many fans were shocked. No one saw this coming. His loyal fans even threw their support behind him, vowing to buy the merchandise and jersey from the athlete’s website instead of the NFL shop. But the big mystery is still looming. Why so late?
Ex-NFL star Ross Tucker revealed an interesting story between him and Shedeur Sanders about missing 3 interviews. The player-turned-reporter flew out to Colorado after the Bills–Dolphins week 2 game last year. He wanted to meet Shedeur Sanders, but was told he could meet after practice. But after the practice, the staff told him, “After the practice, I’m told, ‘Well, he got banged up against Nebraska. He needs to get treatment. Can’t meet with you, but he’ll meet with you Friday at the production meeting.”
Tucker flew back to Buffalo and went back to Colorado, but the quarterback again evaded him. While talking about this, he added, “Go to Buffalo, do the game, fly back Friday for the production meeting. We talked to Deion — he was great. The coordinators — no Shedeur.” He even saw Shedeur Sanders in the back of a pickup truck in front of his hotel, but could not talk to him.
In the league, perception matters. The NFL has put strict measures in place to ensure that players talk to reporters, giving insights from behind the scenes. It definitely made an impression on the NFL scouts and agents who tried to get an idea from Ross Tucker. When they asked about the signal caller, he replied, “I didn’t get to talk to him. Maybe he’s the greatest kid ever. Maybe he’s a bad kid. I don’t know. But I told them the story — and they just kind of nodded their head.”
That’s it. The incident made an everlasting impression. And it showed up in the draft when it mattered the most.
Ex-Steelers player predicts a chilling future for Shedeur Sanders
A few days before the draft, the Colorado QB was in the Steel City. He liked the environment, praising their system while comparing the HC Mike Tomlin to his father, Coach Prime Deion Sanders. But they didn’t pick him in the draft. Not in the first round, but in the first 4 rounds.

Now, after the Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders, former Steelers RB Merrill Hoge will ring in Cleveland. During the April 23 interview with 102.5 WDVE, he added, “He can’t handle the expectations that are coming his way. He’s going to be an epic failure, and he’s going to set your organization back another two or three years.”
It will definitely fire the rookie to work hard. Well, he was drafted later, so it will take off some pressure from his shoulders. But he has to give answers to his naysayers. And there’s no better reply than a wonderful performance. The rookie has to be ready.
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