The 2024 NFL Draft was not just an annual rookie selection event but also an emotionally charged drama centered around the Sanders family. Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback from the University of Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, unexpectedly “fell” to the third pick, prompting the New York Giants to select Abdul Carter over the young star. This immediately thrust Deion Sanders into the eye of the storm of public debate.
Deion Sanders: From Father to Ambitious “Manager”
Deion Sanders is not only an NFL legend but also a father who has placed massive expectations on Shedeur’s shoulders. Since 2023, he has repeatedly declared to the media: “My son was born to be a legend, not a follower.” A meticulously orchestrated PR campaign for Shedeur, led by Deion, included professional training videos and the viral hashtag #HIM (He Is the Man).
However, the Tennessee Titans’ decision to pick Cam Ward first overall, followed by the Giants “snubbing” Shedeur at pick No. 3, disrupted Deion’s plans. Many have questioned: Was Deion overconfident in his son’s abilities, or is this a case of bias from NFL teams?
Immediate Reactions: A Chilling Silence and Hidden Messages
According to reporters on-site, Deion Sanders left his seat immediately after the Giants announced their pick. Despite this, he maintained composure in front of the cameras: “I am proud of Shedeur. This is just the beginning, not the end.”
On social media, Deion posted a story captioned “God’s plan is always greater” alongside a photo of Shedeur in his Colorado Buffaloes jersey. This move was seen as an attempt to “save face.” However, analysts interpreted it as the “quiet fury” of a father known for his larger-than-life ego.
Deion Sanders’ Reputation: Real Talent or Just “Smoke and Mirrors”?
The 2024 Draft has sparked doubts about whether Deion “overhyped” Shedeur’s talent. Data from Pro Football Focus (PFF) revealed Shedeur ranked fifth in pass accuracy (75.3%) among Draft-eligible quarterbacks. “Deion turned his son into a marketing product rather than a genuine player,” remarked a former NFL team executive.
Supporters of Deion countered: “Shedeur is undervalued due to bias.” They cited the case of Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts), who was criticized pre-Draft but later shined, arguing Shedeur could follow suit.
Future Scenarios: Family Pressure and the Rise to Redemption
If Shedeur succeeds with his new team (potentially the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 5), it would be an opportunity for Deion to prove his foresight. “The Giants will regret this. They rejected a gift from God,” Deion might declare in the future.
Conversely, if Shedeur underperforms, both father and son’s reputations could suffer irreparably. Media scrutiny and Deion’s own pressure might push Shedeur into a mental crisis. “Shedeur didn’t fail. The NFL failed,” Deion would undoubtedly continue to defend his son.
The Burden of Lineage: A Lesson in Legacy
The Sanders family saga at the 2024 Draft exposes the dark side of being born into a legendary legacy. Shedeur isn’t just playing football—he carries the weight of his father’s name and colossal expectations. Whether he likes it or not, Deion must confront reality: not all plans unfold as intended.
Can Deion step back and let Shedeur write his own story? Or will he remain the “shadow” looming over his son’s career? Only time will tell.