Speaking on former NFL star Asante Samuel’s Say What Needs To Be Said podcast, Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders said anonymous reports that painted his sons, quarterback Shedeur and safety Shilo, as unprofessional in the run-up to the 2025 NFL Draft “absolutely did hurt.” Once projected to go late in Round 1, Shedeur slid all the way to Pick 144, where the Cleveland Browns finally selected him; Shilo went undrafted before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sanders singled out two rumors in particular: that Shedeur arrived for team interviews “unprepared” and that he kept headphones on during a meeting. “Anybody who knows my son knows he’s a pro,” Sanders said, noting that Shedeur has succeeded despite working with six different offensive coordinators in college.

He blamed the slide on “foolish stuff” spread by unnamed sources and insisted it had nothing to do with talent or work ethic. Quoting scripture, Sanders framed the ordeal as a lesson in resilience: “God uses the foolish things to confound the wise … it gave them the edge they needed.”

While disappointed, Sanders said both sons are “built for everything” and will channel the slight into motivation. Shedeur now joins a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, while Shilo faces an uphill climb to make Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster. Their father, however, is convinced the draft day snub will soon look like a mistake: “They’re going to prove a lot of people wrong—and I can’t wait to watch.”