Deion Sanders sends encouraging message to Diego Pavia

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Deion Sanders sends encouraging message to Diego Pavia

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 9:03 AM ET

Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is still waiting for an NFL opportunity, but he has at least one believer in Colorado coach Deion Sanders.

Sanders had a message for Pavia on Saturday after the Heisman Trophy finalist went undrafted in the NFL Draft. On X, Sanders said he was a believer in Pavia and urged the quarterback to “stay strong.”

“I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN!” Sanders wrote. “Stay strong and don’t let up. Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget.”

@diegopavia02 “I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN! Stay strong and don’t let up. Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget. Much Love & God bless you. #PRIME
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 26, 2026

Pavia going undrafted is not a total shock, as he was never regarded as a top-tier prospect. Still, he was a Heisman finalist, and there is not much precedent for someone with that pedigree to go undrafted.

Sanders’ endorsement probably won’t do much for Pavia, who has a lot working against him. He turned 24 in February, stands just 5’10”, and has dealt with questions about his temperament. Plenty of teams probably just don’t want to deal with that from a player who is unlikely to make a roster out of training camp.

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

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