(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

Colorado fan sues NFL alleging damages from Shedeur Sanders Draft slide

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:06 PM ET

A 55-year-old Atlanta man who identifies as a devoted Shedeur Sanders fan has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the NFL, claiming emotional distress after the quarterback was drafted shockingly low in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The plaintiff, identified as “John Doe,” accuses the league and its owners of collusion, defamation, and discriminatory practices that led to Sanders falling to the 144th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. Doe insists that as a dedicated Colorado football fan and consumer, he suffered psychological harm from watching Sanders drop so dramatically despite high expectations.

Sanders was projected to be a top-five pick, and his fall in the draft was both "mentally frustrating and debilitating," according to Doe. He alleges that NFL owners conspired to punish Sanders due to his high-profile image and the outspoken presence of his father, Deion Sanders. Though Doe has no personal ties to Shedeur, he says he has followed the young quarterback since his first game at Colorado in 2023 and was devastated by how the draft unfolded.

The lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Georgia on May 1 makes sweeping claims, including that the NFL violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by unfairly manipulating the draft process and limiting competition. Doe also claims that “slanderous statements” about Sanders, including accusations that he tanked interviews and came across as arrogant, damaged both Sanders’ reputation and his own emotional investment as a fan. He is asking not only for $100 million in punitive damages but also a public apology from the NFL, a retraction of negative statements, and a revision of the draft process to ensure fairness.

Legal experts, however, are unconvinced. UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh tells The Independent the lawsuit is "going nowhere," citing lack of standing and vague allegations. Doe is representing himself in court and filed under a pseudonym to protect his business interests in Atlanta. While the court has allowed the case to proceed without filing fees, the chances of it succeeding appear slim.

Despite the backlash, Doe remains committed to his cause, claiming that his figure of $100 million represents both his emotional suffering and the potential income Sanders lost by falling in the draft. When asked about his motives, Doe stated he might donate part of any winnings to youth football programs. However, many view the suit as more of a passionate fan’s outcry than a legitimate legal challenge.

The bizarre case shows the deep connection some fans feel with players, and how disappointment can lead to drastic actions from some.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: