Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders' Proud Reaction To Colorado Buffaloes Receiver Signing With Green Bay Packers

Originally posted on Colorado Buffaloes on SI
By Jack Carlough | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:20 PM ET

It took a little longer than expected, but former Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Will Sheppard is headed to the NFL.

After failing his undrafted free agent physical with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the draft, Sheppard went unsigned until Monday when NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Green Bay Packers had come to terms with 6-foot-3 receiver. Now, the former Vanderbilt Commodores transfer must prove that his college football success can translate to the next level.

Sheppard becomes the eighth player from Colorado's 2024 squad to land in the NFL this offseason, joining Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars), quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns), safeties Shilo Sanders (Buccaneers) and Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jaguars), defensive end BJ Green II (Jaguars) and wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. (Carolina Panthers) and LaJohntay Wester (Baltimore Ravens).

Sanders was, of course, proud to see Sheppard finally get an NFL opportunity. During their lone season together in Boulder, the duo connected for 621 receiving yards and six touchdowns, including a memorable 47-yard score against the UCF Knights.

In a quote tweet of Schultz's report, Sanders shared his excitement with a fire emoji.

https://t.co/2efGeoDOxh
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) July 21, 2025

Sheppard now teams up with Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, who helped the Packers reach the playoffs for the second straight year last season. If Love keeps improving and the Packers' front office continues to give him offensive pieces to develop alongside, Green Bay could return to prominence in the NFC.

Although Sheppard drew plenty of attention for his elite jump ball skills, he made clear at Colorado's pro day that his abilities extend beyond the red zone.

“I can do it all," Sheppard said in April. "I'm big. I’m not just a possession, go-up-and-get-it kind of receiver. I can run routes. I can run after the catch. I can do everything, play inside or outside. Come and get me.”

Colorado coach Deion Sanders was also complimentary of Sheppard's game during the pre-draft process.

“This kid can play this game,” Deion Sanders said at CU's pro day. “I talked to a lot of the scouts earlier about how fond I am of his game and his consistency thereof. He’s a big-time receiver. A 50-50 ball, he’s going to get that more times than not. And I just love his character and what he brings to the table, what he brings to the practice field, day in and day out. He’s a tremendous asset.”

If he makes the Packers' 53-man roster, Sheppard will face Shedeur Sanders' Browns, Horn's Panthers and Wester's Ravens during the regular season. First, Green Bay will battle the New York Jets (Aug. 9), Indianapolis Colts (Aug. 16) and Seattle Seahawks (Aug. 23) during the preseason. Playing well in those three games will be crucial for Sheppard to make coach Matt LaFleur's roster.

This article first appeared on Colorado Buffaloes on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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