Jump to content

Shedeur Sanders

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shedeur Sanders
Sanders with the Jackson State Tigers in 2022
No. 12 – Cleveland Browns
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (2002-02-07) February 7, 2002 (age 23)
Tyler, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school:Trinity Christian (Cedar Hill, Texas)
College:
NFL draft:2025: 5th round, 144th pick
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Shedeur Deion Sanders (/ʃəˈdʊər/ shəd-OOR; born February 7, 2002) is an American professional football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Jackson State Tigers and Colorado Buffaloes, winning the 2021 Jerry Rice Award, 2022 Deacon Jones Trophy and 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Sanders is the son of Buffaloes head coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders.

Early life

Image for: Early life
[edit]

Sanders was born on February 7, 2002, in Tyler, Texas, to Deion Sanders and Pilar Sanders. His parents are divorced. He has four siblings: Deiondra, Deion, Shilo, and Shelomi. He attended Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas, where his father was the school's offensive coordinator.[1] As a senior, he completed 251-of-366 pass attempts for 3,702 yards and 43 touchdowns.[2] Sanders was rated a four-star prospect and initially committed to play college football at Florida Atlantic before flipping to Jackson State after his father was named head coach.[3][4]

College career

Image for: College career
[edit]

Jackson State

[edit]

Sanders enrolled at Jackson State in January 2021, but was ineligible to play for the team in its spring 2021 season, which was abbreviated and delayed from its normally intended 2020 schedule due to COVID-19.[5] Sanders was named the Tigers' starting quarterback going into the 2021 fall season and passed for 3,231 yards with 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions.[6] He was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Freshman of the Year and second team All-SWAC and won the Jerry Rice Award as the most outstanding freshman in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, becoming the first player from a historically black college or university (HBCU) to win the award.[7][8] He signed name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals with Gatorade, Beats by Dre, and Nike, being the first college football player to sign with the latter.[9][10][11]

To open his sophomore season, Sanders completed 29 of 33 passes for 323 yards and five touchdowns in the Tigers' 59–3 win over Florida A&M.[12] He completed 70.6% of his pass attempts for 3,732 yards with 40 touchdowns and six interceptions as a sophomore and was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year.[13] Sanders was also awarded the Deacon Jones Trophy as the nation's top HBCU player.[14] He entered the NCAA transfer portal after the 2022 Celebration Bowl.[15]

Colorado

[edit]

After his father Deion was hired as head coach at Colorado, Sanders joined his father and transferred to Colorado.[16] He was immediately named the Buffaloes' starting quarterback.[17]

In his first game for the Buffaloes, Sanders completed 38 of 47 pass attempts for a school-record 510 yards and four touchdowns in the team's 45–42 win over 17th-ranked TCU.[18] In the following game against Nebraska, he had 393 passing yards and two passing touchdowns to go with a rushing touchdown in the win.[19] He led the Buffaloes to a 3–0 start with 348 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in the next game, a win over Colorado State.[20] Following the team's first setback against Oregon,[21] he had 371 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and one interception and a rushing touchdown in a narrow loss to USC.[22] Following a win over Arizona State,[23] he had 400 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception in a loss to Stanford.[24] He missed the season's final game against Utah with a fracture in his back.[25] Overall, he finished the 2023 season with 3,230 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions to go with four rushing touchdowns in 11 games as the Buffaloes went 4–8.[26][27]

Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 9–4 record in 2024 and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl. He finished the season with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, with him earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and named the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.[28][29][30] In April 2025, Colorado announced Sanders's jersey number, along with Travis Hunter's, would be retired before the school's spring game.[31]

Statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Comp Att Pct Yards Avg TD Int Rate Att Yards Avg TD
2021 Jackson State 13 13 11−2 272 413 65.9 3,231 7.8 30 8 151.7 103 −17 −0.2 3
2022 Jackson State 13 13 12−1 341 483 70.6 3,732 7.7 40 6 160.4 85 173 2.0 6
2023 Colorado 11 11 4−7 298 430 69.3 3,230 7.5 27 3 151.7 111 −77 −0.7 4
2024 Colorado 13 13 9−4 353 477 74.0 4,134 8.7 37 10 168.2 100 −50 −0.5 4
Career[32] 50 50 36−14 1,263 1,803 70.1 14,327 7.9 134 27 158.4 399 29 0.1 17

Professional career

Image for: Professional career
[edit]

NFL

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span
6 ft 1+1⁄2 in
(1.87 m) 		212 lb
(96 kg) 		31+1⁄2 in
(0.80 m) 		9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)
All values from NFL Combine[33][34]

On April 26, 2025, on the third and final day of the 2025 NFL draft, Sanders was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick.[35] Many commentators had expected Sanders to be an early pick,[36][37][38] while Sanders's father, Deion, predicted he would be one of the first five NFL draft picks.[39] President Donald Trump notably criticized NFL team owners for not selecting Sanders earlier, calling them "stupid" and praising Sanders's athletic pedigree and potential.[40] One anonymous longtime NFL assistant coach was quoted by NFL Network assessing that Sanders "takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates. But the biggest thing is he's not that good."[41] The same anonymous coach called Sanders "entitled" and said that the formal interview with the prospect was the "worst" he had been a part of.[41] Another longtime AFC executive echoed that sentiment: "It didn't go great in our interview. He wants to dictate what he's going to do and what's best for him. He makes you feel small."[42] On May 19, 2025 he signed a four-year deal with the Browns worth $4.6 million and includes a signing bonus of $447,380.[43]

During the first two days of the draft, a prank caller had obtained the private number for the cellphone given to Sanders by the league to communicate with team managers and coaches. While Sanders had his livestream turned on, the prankster called him, pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and telling Sanders he would "have to wait a little longer". Days later, the caller was revealed to be Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.[44] After investigating, the league fined the Falcons $250,000 and Ulbrich $100,000 over the leak of Sanders' phone number.[45]

Personal life

Image for: Personal life
[edit]

Sanders released a hip-hop track, "Perfect Timing", in May 2024.[46][47]

Sanders's older brother, Shilo, also played college football under their father at Jackson State and Colorado.[48][49] He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft.[50]

References

Image for: References
[edit]
  1. ^ Demeyer, Tess (December 16, 2020). "Shedeur, Shilo and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders are set to form a triple threat at Jackson State". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  2. ^ Kaufman, Michelle (September 4, 2021). "Deion Sanders' son to make debut at Orange Blossom Classic". Miami Herald. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  3. ^ Price, Khobi (July 13, 2020). "Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur, commits to FAU". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  4. ^ VanHaaren, Tom (November 6, 2020). "ESPN 300 QB Shedeur Sanders joins dad Deion Sanders at Jackson State". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  5. ^ Milligan, Rashad (July 20, 2021). "Shedeur Sanders watched Jackson State's spring football season from the sideline. He called it a 'blessing'". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  6. ^ "Deion Sanders and Brett Bartolone Have Plans to Tighten Jackson State's Subpar Offense Next Season". Atlanta Black Star. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  7. ^ Thompson, Khari (November 29, 2021). "Was Shedeur Sanders snubbed on the All-SWAC team? Deion Sanders responds". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  8. ^ "Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders is 2021 Jerry Rice Award recipient". Yahoo Sports. Associated Press. December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  9. ^ Gaydos, Ryan (January 27, 2022). "Jackson State's Shedeur Sanders inks historic Gatorade NIL deal". Fox Business. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  10. ^ Jeyarajah, Shehan (September 1, 2021). "Beats by Dre signs Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders as first collegiate ambassador". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  11. ^ Capruso, Tim (August 28, 2024). "Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Follows in Deion's Footsteps, Signs NIL Deal With Nike". SI.com. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  12. ^ Carr, Tolly (September 4, 2022). "Jackson State dominates FAMU in Orange Blossom Classic". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  13. ^ Howell, Brian (December 18, 2022). "Colorado football: Buffs reel in West Virginia transfer, three-star linebacker". Boulder Daily Camera. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  14. ^ Keith, J.T. (February 27, 2023). "Shedeur Sanders selected the HBCU football player of the year". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  15. ^ Keith, J.T. (December 18, 2022). "Deion Sanders' sons, Shedeur and Shilo, officially enter transfer portal". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  16. ^ Jackson, Wilton (December 21, 2022). "Shedeur Sanders Announces Transfer Decision". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  17. ^ Zucker, Joseph (December 4, 2023). "Deion Sanders Says Son Shedeur Will Be Colorado's QB After Leaving Jackson State". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  18. ^ Brugler, Dane; Baumgardner, Nick (September 1, 2023). "What is Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft stock? Colorado QB leads stunning upset of TCU". The Athletic. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  19. ^ "Shedeur Sanders, No. 22 Colorado beat Nebraska 36-14 in sold out home debut for Deion Sanders". CBS News - Colorado. Associated Press. September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  20. ^ Graham, Pat (September 17, 2023). "Shedeur Sanders sparks No. 18 Colorado to thrilling 43-35 win over Colorado State in 2 OTs". AP News. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  21. ^ Peterson, Anne M. (September 23, 2023). "Bo Nix, No. 10 Oregon slam brakes on Coach Prime's 'Cinderella story' with a 42-6 rout of Colorado". AP News. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  22. ^ Stapleton, Arnie Melendrez (September 30, 2023). "Deion Sanders heaps praise on his QB son Shedeur Sanders after comeback falls short vs. No. 8 USC". AP News. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  23. ^ Marshall, John (October 8, 2023). "Colorado beats Arizona State 27-24 to end 8-game Pac-12 losing streak". AP News. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  24. ^ Graham, Pat (October 14, 2023). "Stanford rallies from 29-point deficit, beats Colorado 46-43 in 2nd overtime on Karty field goal". AP News. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  25. ^ "Buffs QB Sanders missed finale with back fracture". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 27, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  26. ^ "Shedeur Sanders 2023 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  27. ^ "2023 Colorado Buffaloes Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  28. ^ "Shedeur Sanders: 2025 NFL draft scouting report, rankings" (January 16, 2025). ESPN. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  29. ^ Lee, Kenny (December 5, 2024). "Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter earn top Big 12 Player of the Year honors". SI.com. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  30. ^ Leuzzi, John (December 6, 2024). "Colorado football QB Shedeur Sanders wins Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award". USA Today. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  31. ^ "Buffs face scrutiny over retiring jerseys of Sanders, Hunter". Associated Press. April 17, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025 – via ESPN.
  32. ^ "Shedeur Sanders Career Stats - NCAAF". ESPN. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  33. ^ Reuter, Chad; Zierlein, Lance. "Shedeur Sanders Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  34. ^ "Shedeur Sanders College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  35. ^ Bardahl, Jayna (April 26, 2025). "How did Shedeur Sanders slide from potential first-rounder to fifth-round pick in NFL Draft? A timeline". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  36. ^ Holder, Stephen (April 25, 2025). "Sanders slides out of NFL draft's opening round". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  37. ^ "2025 nfl draft winners and losers from round 1". NFL.com.
  38. ^ "2025 NFL Draft: Pro execs, scouts, coaches rank and evaluate the top 18 prospects in this QB class". NFL.com. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
  39. ^ Melendez, Miguel (April 25, 2025). "Deion Sanders Eats Crow After His Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Tweet Resurfaces". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  40. ^ "Trump calls NFL owners 'stupid' for not taking Shedeur Sanders in first round". NBC News. April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  41. ^ a b Pellssero, Tom (April 22, 2025). "2025 NFL Draft: Pro execs, scouts, coaches rank and evaluate the top 18 prospects in this QB class". NFL.com. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  42. ^ Thompson, Jackson (April 25, 2025). "Shedeur Sanders and family stunned after falling out of first round in NFL Draft: 'We all didn't expect this'". Foxnews. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  43. ^ Bass, Tobias (May 20, 2025). "Browns' Shedeur Sanders signs 4-year, $4.6 million rookie contract". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  44. ^ Davis, Nate. "Falcons, coach Jeff Ulbrich's son apologize to Shedeur Sanders for NFL draft prank call". USA TODAY. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  45. ^ Andersen, Julia (April 30, 2025). "NFL fines the Falcons $250,000 and Jeff Ulbrich $100,000 over Shedeur Sanders' phone number leak". CNN. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  46. ^ "Colorado's Shedeur Sanders releases first song, 'Perfect Timing'". FOX Sports. May 8, 2024. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  47. ^ Sanchez, Josh (September 22, 2024). "Shedeur Sanders, Colorado football turn up to his song in epic celebration". SI.com. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  48. ^ Thompson, Khari (November 14, 2021). "Deion Sanders was there to see his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, deliver for Jackson State football". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  49. ^ Jeyarajah, Shehan (May 28, 2023). "Shilo Sanders transfers to Colorado: Ex-Jackson State DB reunites with father Deion, brother Shedeur". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  50. ^ "Colorado safety Shilo Sanders signing with Buccaneers as UDFA". NFL. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
Image for: External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shedeur Sanders.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shedeur_Sanders&oldid=1294342059"