Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has responded to the controversy surrounding his son, Shedeur Sanders, following the young quarterback’s selection for the NFL Pro Bowl. The Cleveland Browns player, who completed his rookie season, faced criticism regarding his performance, particularly a 56.6 percent completion rate. Deion Sanders emphasized the selection process, noting that the majority of votes come from coaches and players, with fans contributing a smaller percentage.
“Most people don’t know, it’s a percentage,” Deion Sanders explained. “The major percentage is from the coaches and the players, their selection. Then the fans get a smaller percentage of the votes.” Shedeur Sanders was chosen as a replacement for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who will participate in the Super Bowl, further fueling discussions about his qualifications for the honor.
Performance and Progression
Critics highlighted that Shedeur Sanders only started seven games during his rookie year, raising questions about his Pro Bowl selection. However, Deion Sanders defended his son, asserting that the young quarterback has earned respect within the league. He stated that the honor reflects not just fan support but also the recognition from players and coaches, underscoring Shedeur’s accomplishments.
In addition to addressing the Pro Bowl selection, Deion Sanders reflected on Shedeur’s unexpected fall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Originally projected as a first-round pick, he was selected in the fifth round. Deion chose to focus on the positives, saying, “My son did something that I didn’t do. He made the Pro Bowl in his first year. It’s more like a, not I told you so moment, more like a God is good moment.”
Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Fame player renowned for his defensive prowess, was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1989. He did not secure his first Pro Bowl selection until 1991, illustrating the different paths both father and son have taken in their football careers.
Shedeur’s Impact at Colorado
Before joining the NFL, Shedeur Sanders played for the Colorado Buffaloes, where he significantly impacted the program’s resurgence. After transferring from a team that finished 1-11, he led the Buffaloes to a 4-8 record in his first season and followed that with an impressive 9-4 record, including 7-2 against Big 12 opponents in his second year. His statistics reflect remarkable growth: in his first season, he achieved a 69.3 percent completion rate, throwing for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns. By his second season, those numbers improved, culminating in 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns with a completion percentage of 74.0 percent.
Shedeur Sanders made headlines during his rookie season with the Browns. He secured his first victory as a starter in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading a team that had previously struggled, with only two wins before his arrival. By the end of the season, he recorded 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and added 169 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, finishing with a 3-4 record as the starting quarterback.
His selection for the Pro Bowl marks a historic achievement as he becomes the first former Colorado quarterback to receive this honor since Kordell Stewart in 2001. Deion Sanders has consistently praised his son’s talent and potential, remaining focused on Shedeur’s accomplishments rather than the surrounding controversy.
As the football world watches, Shedeur Sanders’ journey from a promising college player to an NFL Pro Bowler showcases his ability to excel under pressure, setting a strong foundation for his future in professional football.
