“Really Undervalued”: Deion Sanders Believes Shedeur Still Doesn’t Get the Respect He Deserves

Despite being a fifth-round pick, Shedeur Sanders did a phenomenal job with the Cleveland Browns last season, stepping up in an injury-plagued quarterback room. He finished the season with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdown passes in eight games. He even got the Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season.

Even after accomplishing so much in so little time, Sanders always seems to be on the receiving end of criticism. But there are a few people who have always looked out for him. And one of them is his father, Deion Sanders. During a recent interview with ClutchPoints, the NFL legend spoke about Sanders, revealing what he truly felt about his son.

“Well, of course, I’m his dad,” said Deion Sanders to ClutchPoints. “No, I haven’t spoken to him (said Sanders, sarcastically). I’m just Dad. Of course, man. He’s gonna face haters like he’s always had. He’s not gonna face anything new that he hasn’t faced in the entirety of his life. He’s always been up against the eight ball. He’s always been really undervalued, not really appreciated like he should, and he always comes through. He likes when odds are stacked up against him.”

CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104055

Ever since his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders has been widely criticized by many, including the media. In 2024, he guided the program to a 9-4 record and a Valero Alamo Bowl appearance. The last time they had a winning season and a Bowl appearance was in 2016, when Mike MacIntyre was the HC, and the Buffaloes finished with a 10-4 record, earning a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Sanders recorded 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions to help the program get to its success in 2024. He completed 74% of his passes, while also scoring 4 rushing touchdowns in 100 carries. Following that performance, he was believed to be a first-round pick.

Unfortunately, harsh criticism saw him spiral down to the fifth round when the Browns selected them using their 144th pick. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that an NFL assistant coach blasted Sanders for being “the worst formal interview” in his life.

“He’s so entitled,” the coach said. “He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates, but the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.”

Even now, Sanders seems to be undervalued. Following a Pro Bowl performance, several reports have featured quarterback Deshaun Watson as the QB1 for the upcoming season. When veteran Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot did the same, Sanders’ brother Shilo Sanders made a misogynistic comment against her statement. Although Sanders had no involvement, he was criticised because of his family’s involvement.

However, things seemed to have changed a bit as Shedeur was recently seen taking first-team reps under head coach Todd Monken. The regular season is still far away, and there is the summer training camp before that. If Sanders can perform well, maybe he can start as QB1 and put the criticisms to rest, while also getting appreciated for his efforts.

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