Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has never shied away from the spotlight. Sanders was a four-year starting quarterback at Jackson State University and the University of Colorado, passing for over 14,000 yards and throwing 134 total touchdowns to 27 interceptions. Sanders’ collegiate performance has solidified his position as a top quarterback prospect in this year’s NFL Draft, alongside Miami’s Cam Ward. However, Sanders has also received unfair scrutiny from football fans and media alike, due to a personality that is perceived by many as “cocky” or “arrogant.”
A public interview at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week amplified the negative perception of Sanders. When asked by a reporter why an NFL team with the chance to draft him should do so, Sanders referred to his collegiate success at Jackson State University and the University of Colorado, along with how he, his father (his head coach), and teammate Travis Hunter, turned both programs around.
“We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back to back, so you don’t think I can come to an NFL franchise and change a program again?” Sanders said. “If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture — don’t get me.” he continued.
Shortly after the interview, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that a unanimous quarterbacks coach of a team picking in the top seven of the NFL Draft perceived Sanders as “arrogant” and “brash” during interviews with the team and the public.
The perception of Sanders by fans, media personnel, and even coaches is inaccurate, unfair, and to an extent fueled by animosity towards his father. Sanders should be lauded, not condemned, for a personality that is confident, not cocky. Every NFL general manager whose team is in need of a quarterback and has the opportunity to draft Sanders should embrace that confidence and view it as an asset. An NFL quarterback is the most important position in all of sports. Finding a long-term answer to the position can drastically alter the direction of a franchise. Just ask the Washington Commanders.
Likewise, Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi once said that “confidence is contagious. So is a lack of confidence.” Accordingly, any team that hopes for a specific player to lead their franchise and develop a winning culture for the next decade should look for one with confidence in themselves and their teammates. That conviction can rub off onto other members of the organization, developing an environment in which everyone is brought into what the team wants to do.
Since their return to the NFL in 1999, the Cleveland Browns have had 40 starting quarterbacks and have only one playoff win during that span. The once-proud New York Giants franchise has had just two winning seasons over the last decade. Likewise, the Las Vegas Raiders have not won a playoff game since 2002. All three of those teams will be picking in the top seven in the draft. At least one of those teams will have the opportunity to draft Sanders. Therefore, Joe Schoen, Andrew Barry, John Spytek, and any NFL general manager of a team in search of a franchise quarterback should embrace and welcome Sanders’ personality and commitment to winning in the NFL, treating it as an asset instead of a nuisance.
