The 2025 NFL Draft saw Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a top-10 pick, fall to the fifth round, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. This unexpected slide sparked discussions about potential racial bias in the evaluation of Black quarterbacks. However, several former NFL players, including Michael Strahan, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and Delanie Walker, have offered perspectives suggesting that Sanders’ draft position was influenced more by performance-related factors than by race.
Michael Strahan, a Hall of Fame defensive end and longtime friend of Deion Sanders, acknowledged Shedeur’s confidence but emphasized the importance of humility in the NFL. Speaking on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Strahan stated:
“I just think that once he comes into the league, he’s going to understand. I know he’s brash. He’s cocky, arrogant, he has that. There are some people who will try to knock you off that pedestal no matter how great you are. So, I think he’s gonna have to display at some point some humility.”
Strahan’s comments suggest that while Shedeur’s talent is evident, his demeanor during pre-draft evaluations may have raised concerns among NFL teams.
Chad Johnson, known for his outspoken nature, also addressed the situation. Following a prank call incident involving Shedeur during the draft, Johnson criticized the act and highlighted the challenges young athletes face in the age of social media. He expressed concern over the potential impact of such incidents on players’ reputations and emphasized the need for professionalism.
Additionally, reports surfaced about an anonymous NFL assistant coach describing Sanders’ formal interview as the worst they had ever experienced, citing issues with entitlement and body language. While such anonymous critiques should be approached with caution, they indicate that teams had reservations about Sanders beyond his on-field performance.
Former NFL tight end Delanie Walker also weighed in before the draft, predicting Sanders would fall to the fifth round. In January, Walker stated on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast:
“Shedeur is going to slip to the fifth round, mark my words.”
Walker even placed a $1,000 bet on this prediction, which proved accurate when Sanders was selected at No. 144 overall by the Browns.
Progress of Black Quarterbacks in the NFL
The conversation around Shedeur Sanders’ draft position occurs against the backdrop of significant progress for Black quarterbacks in the NFL. In the 2024 season, a record 15 Black quarterbacks started in Week 1, accounting for nearly half of the league’s starting quarterbacks.
Historically, Black quarterbacks faced numerous barriers in the NFL. In 2011, Black quarterbacks started in just 15% of games, compared to 29% in 2022. The rise of players like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts has challenged outdated stereotypes and demonstrated that performance and leadership are paramount.
In conclusion, while discussions about racial bias in sports remain valid, in Shedeur Sanders’ case, feedback from former players and reports suggest that his draft position was influenced more by perceived professional demeanor and interview impressions than by race.
