Deion Sanders Jr. Turns Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft Slide Into Business Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 23, 2025 10:38 AM ET

Former Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders had an impressive college career. He started at Jackson State in the FCS before transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes when his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, became the head coach in Boulder.

During his time at Colorado, he passed for 7,364 yards, threw 64 touchdowns and had 13 interceptions, all while completing an FBS-record 71.8% of his passes over two seasons. After the season, Sanders declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming the center of attention for draft coverage.

He was projected to be selected in the first round or, at the very least, the second round. However, he ultimately dropped to the Cleveland Browns, who selected him with the 144th pick in the fifth round.

After his unexpected slide in the draft, Sanders' oldest brother, Deion Sanders Jr., seized the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. He posted on Instagram about a new business venture, showcasing a hoodie featuring the number 144. As of now, the new gear does not appear to be available on Sanders' website shop2legendary.com, but it may be added soon.

Although the draft slide was surprising for Sanders, he received encouraging words from someone who has experienced a similar situation. Future Pro Football Hall of Famer Tom Brady reached out to Sanders, with whom he has a close relationship.

Brady shared that he texted Sanders to say that, regardless of what happens or where he ends up, that moment would mark his first day. He emphasized that everything that follows is more important than the draft itself, recalling that he was selected as pick 199. With his experience, Brady advised Sanders to take this as motivation, reassuring him that he will have opportunities and must be ready to seize them.

Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, a third-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, for a position on the Browns' roster.

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

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