

Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Robert Griffin III didn’t hold back when addressing the way teams treated Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders, who had an impressive college career under the guidance of his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders, was expected by many to be selected in the early rounds.
Shedeur Sanders falls for cruel prank live during NFL Draft leaving fans stunned
Instead, he slipped all the way to the fifth round, ultimately landing with the Cleveland Browns at pick 144. Griffin believes that drop wasn’t about performance-it was personal.
“Nobody treated Eli Manning the way they treated Shedeur Sanders,” Griffin said in a passionate statement following the draft.
Griffin, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 2 overall draft pick, directly criticized what he described as a double standard. He argued that white quarterbacks from football families are often celebrated for their pedigree, while Black quarterbacks from similar backgrounds can be penalized for theirs.
He also made a broader point about how “Black fatherhood” is often mischaracterized and used unfairly in evaluations.
“We should be celebrating Black fatherhood and the role Deion Sanders has played in his son’s development-not punishing Shedeur for it,” Griffin added.
Deeper issues in NFL Draft evaluation?
Shedeur Sanders‘ fall in the draft sparked widespread debate. Critics of the league’s draft process pointed to potential racial bias and media narratives that may have portrayed Sanders as arrogant or entitled due to his father’s outspoken presence in the sport.
However, those close to Sanders describe him as focused, driven, and respectful.
Griffin‘s comments touch on the broader issue of how players are scouted-not just physically or statistically, but emotionally and culturally.
He drew a comparison to how Eli Manning, the son of NFL great Archie Manning, was treated as a legacy quarterback who benefitted from name recognition, not hindered by it.
Despite the disappointment of the draft, Shedeur has already turned heads post-draft. His jersey is among the top sellers among all rookies, showing strong fan support and commercial potential. The Browns may have landed a steal, both in terms of talent and marketability.
As Sanders steps into his NFL career, it’s clear his journey will be closely watched-not only for how he plays, but for what his story says about the league’s values and ongoing conversations around equity and perception.
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