Coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes addressed the controversy surrounding the Pro Bowl selection of his son, Shedeur Sanders, following his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns. Critics have questioned Shedeur’s selection due to his 56.6 percent completion rate, particularly as he started only seven games. In response, Deion emphasized the selection process, stating, “Most people don’t know, it’s a percentage, the major percentage is from the coaches and the players, their selection. Then the fans get a smaller percentage of the votes.”
As a replacement for Drake Maye of the New England Patriots, who will participate in the Super Bowl, Shedeur’s Pro Bowl nod has sparked discussions throughout the league. Deion defended his son, asserting that the selection reflects the respect he has garnered from both coaches and players, not just fans.
While discussing the Pro Bowl, Deion also reflected on Shedeur’s unexpected drop in the 2025 NFL Draft. Originally projected as a first-round pick, he fell to the fifth round, becoming the sixth quarterback selected. Rather than criticize the doubters, Deion expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments. “My son did something that I didn’t do. He made the Pro Bowl in his first year,” he remarked. “It’s more like a, not I told you so moment, more like a God is good moment.”
Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Fame player and one of the most renowned defensive backs in NFL history, was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1989. He did not achieve his first Pro Bowl selection until 1991. Instead of fueling the debate over Shedeur’s selection, Deion highlighted the significance of his son’s rookie season achievements.
Shedeur’s journey with the Buffaloes began in a challenging context, as the team had just finished with a 1-11 record before his arrival. In his first season, he transformed the program, achieving a 69.3 percent completion rate, passing for 3,230 yards and throwing 27 touchdowns. His debut was marked by leading the Buffaloes to a victory against the TCU Horned Frogs.
In his second season, the Buffaloes improved their record to 9-4 and 7-2 against Big 12 opponents. Shedeur’s performance further elevated, with a completion rate of 74.0 percent, totaling 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. These statistics solidified his status as a top quarterback prospect.
Despite the draft’s outcome, Shedeur made an immediate impact in the NFL. In his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders in week 12, he led the Browns to their third win of the season, boosting their record to 3-4. Over his rookie season, he accumulated 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, 169 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown.
With his Pro Bowl selection, Shedeur became the first former Colorado quarterback to achieve this honor since Kordell Stewart in 2001. Deion Sanders remains focused on his son’s growth and contributions in the NFL, emphasizing that his achievements reflect a bright future ahead.