It was a dream that became a nightmare for CU Buff’s all-time leading quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. Initially a top-ranked prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders watched his draft stock drop in a dramatic turn of events. After being passed on by all 32 teams in the NFL, Sanders slipped to the fifth round on the final day of the draft and was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th pick. The stumble appears as a message from the NFL teams to the young Sanders and his father, Deion Sanders, head coach of the CU Buffs.

Eight players were drafted or signed as undrafted players from CU. Travis Hunter was selected number two overall with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wide receivers LaJohntay Wester and Jimmy Horn were taken in the sixth round. Shilo Sanders, signed by the Tampa Bay Bucs, was one of four undrafted players signed by Colorado.

For Sheduer Sanders, it was a confluence of circumstances that led to his fall in the draft, including his actions and that of his father, Deion Sanders. Earlier in the year, Coach Prime stated in an interview with Tamron Hall that “there are teams I won’t allow him to play for…. I know what’s behind the curtain.”

Sheduer Sanders’ words did not endear him to NFL teams in the Draft Combine in March. “You think I’m worried about what critics say? You know who my dad is? They hated on him too. Without people hating, it’s not normal for us.” the younger Sanders told reporters during his media session.

But father and son were humbled by the experience, saying they could have handled things better. “I can do better, I know better, I was taught better, I’ve seen better and I’m definitely better! I’m also thankful for another opportunity to do what I’m blessed to do and I won’t take it for granted. Lord Create in me a pure heart and renew the right spirit within me,” Deoin Sanders wrote on X.

In a prank call made to Shedeur Sanders from a coach son of the Atlanta Falcons, the team was fined $250,000. by the NFL, and the coach, Jeff Ulbrich, another $100,000. for the incident. The coach’s son called Sanders, pretending to be the GM from the New Orleans Saints to draft him with the ninth pick.

“My actions — my actions — of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable,” Ulbrich said. “My son’s actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that we are both deeply sorry. The NFL has taken action and I fully respect the punishment. We take full responsibility, my son and myself, and we will not be appealing the fine in any way. Going forward I promise my son and I will work hard to demonstrate we are better than this.”

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