Deion Sanders Reflects on Son’s Challenges During Pre-Draft and Rookie Season

Deion Sanders, the NFL icon, shared his thoughts on the struggles his son, Shedeur, faced throughout the pre-draft phase and his rookie year with the Cleveland Browns.

Shedeur was expected to be one of the top picks in the draft, but he ended up going 144th overall. Deion mentioned that the criticism during this process left a lasting “scar” on his son.

“You can see the scars on his back when he takes off his shirt,” Deion stated, adding, “He went through hell, but he came out on the other side.” He talked about this experience on “The Barbershop,” with the interview being released on Thursday.

Throughout his high school and college years, Deion coached Shedeur, and he pushed back against some of the negative narratives surrounding his son, particularly those questioning Shedeur’s character.

Deion pointed out that the pre-draft discussions uncovered “ignorant lies” about Shedeur, emphasizing, “He never walks into a meeting unprepared or without his headphones. That’s just not who he is. You can’t achieve what he has without being ready.”

He also expressed disappointment with the media coverage of Shedeur during his initial year in the league. Shedeur wrapped up the 2025 season accumulating 1,400 passing yards and throwing seven touchdowns.

In the last seven games of that season, he started, and the Browns recorded a 3-4 overall record during that time.

With a new head coach, Todd Monken, now leading the team, Shedeur is currently vying with Deshaun Watson for the starting quarterback position. He had a favorable impression of the new coaching staff, calling Monken “fantastic.”

Shedeur said the fresh environment and energy have had a positive impact, noting how the team pushes each other in various aspects, whether in meetings, on the field, or in the weight room.