Colorado’s star quarterback Shedeur Sanders just lobbed a grenade into the 2025 NFL Draft conversation, daring teams to underestimate him. The 21-year-old phenom, fresh off a top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, issued a fiery warning to franchises eyeing his talent. With a swagger reminiscent of his Hall of Fame father, Sanders’ blend of on-field brilliance and unfiltered confidence is reshaping his draft narrative—and ruffling feathers across the league.
Shedeur Sanders’ Steelers Pitch Ignites Firestorm
Sanders’ meeting with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t just another pre-draft formality. Describing the vibe as “real fun,” the Colorado QB left Pittsburgh buzzing after a standout session that showcased his arm talent and leadership.
“You understand why they win a lot here,” Sanders told Kay Adams on Up & Adams, drawing parallels between Tomlin’s grit and his dad Deion Sanders’ coaching style. “It’s a 10 out of 10… but if other teams let me slip to them, that’s on them.”
The Steelers, picking 21st, are desperate for a franchise QB. With Mason Rudolph as a placeholder and Aaron Rodgers’ future murky, Shedeur Sanders’ 4,134-yard, 37-touchdown 2024 campaign makes him a tantalizing fit. His Pro Day dazzled scouts despite nitpicks over his pre-throw “ball-patting” habit, but Sanders shrugged off critiques:
“I flipped a 1-11 team to nine wins. Imagine what I’ll do with a 10-win squad like Pittsburgh.”
Why Teams Are “Offended”—And Why It Doesn’t Matter.
Sanders’ bravado isn’t for everyone. During NFL Network’s The Insiders, he admitted his candidness polarizes:
“Some get offended, some like it, some don’t.” Critics argue his outspokenness risks locker-room friction, but the Steelers—a franchise built on tough-minded leaders like T.J. Watt—seem unfazed. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” an AFC scout noted. “You can’t teach his poise in the pocket or his knack for elevating trash teams.”
Draft analysts project Shedeur Sanders as a late first-rounder, with the Giants and Browns also in play. But his camp has hinted at avoiding certain destinations, per his father’s advice. Pittsburgh, however, feels like a match.
“They’ve got George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth… weapons everywhere,” Sanders said, already visualizing himself in black and yellow.
The legacy factor
Shedeur isn’t just chasing a paycheck—he’s chasing a legacy. With 7,300+ college yards and a reputation for program turnarounds, he’s betting on himself to be the Steelers’ next Ben Roethlisberger.
“I’ve seen what Dad did in the NFL,” he said. “Now it’s my turn.”
As draft night looms, one thing’s clear: Shedeur Sanders’ audacity isn’t a bug—it’s the feature. Whether teams are “offended” or intrigued, his confidence will define his rookie chapter.