Deion Sanders has made it clear: if his son Shedeur Sanders, currently the standout quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, gets drafted by the wrong team in 2025, he’s ready to intervene—privately. During a recent conversation on FS1’s “Speak,” NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders revealed he won’t hesitate to steer his son’s NFL future, even if it means using the same strategy Archie Manning once did for his son Eli. When asked if he’d step in to ensure Shedeur lands with a stable franchise, Deion’s response was clear: he’s prepared to act behind the scenes to protect his son’s career.
The inspiration for Deion’s stance comes from the 2004 NFL Draft, where Archie Manning famously convinced the San Diego Chargers to avoid drafting Eli Manning, unwilling to let his son play for a team he didn’t believe in. Despite Archie’s warning, the Chargers chose Eli, who, true to his word, refused to play for them, sparking a dramatic trade to the New York Giants. Eli’s eventual success, winning two Super Bowls, stands as a testament to the power of ensuring a quarterback’s fit with the right team.
For Deion, it’s about more than just finding Shedeur a spot on an NFL roster; he’s looking for a team with a solid support system, proven experience with quarterbacks, and a clear, stable direction. Deion made it clear that Shedeur can adapt to almost any situation but needs a franchise that won’t simply “throw him to the wolves.” He’s not asking for a perfect offensive line or an elite roster; rather, he wants to see a cohesive plan for developing his son as a franchise quarterback.
The message to NFL teams is clear: if they’re serious about drafting Shedeur, they must convince Deion that they can provide the environment and structure his son needs to thrive. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the competition to secure Shedeur’s talent will be intense, but winning over his father may be the most challenging part of the process. Deion’s influence could very well shape Shedeur’s journey, leaving fans and franchises alike eager to see where he’ll land.