As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, and his two star players: Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Both athletes are poised to be among the top five picks, and Deion Sanders, noted for his formidable influence in and around the football world, is carefully considering their future in the NFL.
A Coach, A Father, A Guide
Deion Sanders, who has made a seamless transition from Hall of Fame NFL cornerback to college football coach, faces a unique proposition. He is not just coaching his team; he is also acting as a guiding force for his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and another top talent, Travis Hunter, who excels both as a receiver and cornerback. In a recent interview, Sanders candidly shared his stance on what he looks for in teams potentially drafting his players. His comment, "Somebody that can handle the quarterback that he is, somebody that can handle, understanding what he's capable of," underscores the need for an environment tailored to nurture Shedeur's talents.
While the draft process is something usually left to agents, managers, and the players themselves, Deion, or "Prime Time" as he is fondly nicknamed, is not one to shy away from making his preferences known—albeit subtly. When asked about his involvement in the draft process, he noted, "Yea, but I'm not gonna do it publicly, I'd do it privately." This approach aligns with his desire to protect Shedeur and Travis, a sentiment he echoes: "I'm going to be a dad until the cows come home, and with Travis as well."
The 2004 Parallels
Deion Sanders' situation brings to mind the 2004 NFL Draft scenario involving Eli Manning. Manning famously refused to play for the San Diego Chargers, leading to a draft-day trade to the New York Giants. Sanders could potentially wield similar influence to guide his son and Hunter toward suitable teams that align with their career aspirations.
One factor Deion Sanders has been open about is the type of organization best suited for Shedeur. "Someone that has had success in the past handling quarterbacks or someone in an organization that understands what they're doing," he emphasized. The quality of the team's offensive line seems to be a lesser priority for Sanders, who instead focuses on overall organizational stability: "Forget the line, he's played with lines that haven't been great, but he's been able to do his thing, but just the infrastructure of the team, the direction of where we're going."
Location, Location, Location
Beyond organizational fit, geography plays a pivotal role in Deion's thought process. Having a preference to avoid cold-weather cities for Shedeur, Deion Sanders is not shy about his bias towards warmer climates. This preference might limit the field but ensures his son lands in an environment he is comfortable with.
One potential destination that has received the green light from Sanders is the Las Vegas Raiders, partially owned by NFL legend Tom Brady. When asked about Shedeur ending up with the Raiders, Deion remarked, "That would be nice." Such a move not only promises an agreeable climate but also the opportunity for Shedeur to be mentored in an organization influenced by Brady's winning ethos.
A Strategic Decision
The decisions Deion Sanders makes in the coming months could shape the NFL futures of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. As a father and coach, Sanders is balancing the interests of his star protégés with the intricacies of the NFL Draft. The precedence set by historical instances like Eli Manning's maneuver away from the Chargers signals that, with the right mix of persuasion and strategy, the landscape of professional sports can be navigated to ensure optimal outcomes.
Ultimately, as Deion transitions from coach to guide in this crucial phase, his understanding of both football and organizational dynamics will be put to the test. Whether the stars align for his vision of the draft remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Deion Sanders is committed to ensuring that Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter step into environments that recognize and foster their extraordinary potential.