Shedeur Sanders’ Bold Declaration at NFL Combine: "I Change Cultures"

The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is typically a stage for meticulous measurements, rigorous drills, and guarded pronouncements. However, Shedeur Sanders, the former quarterback of Colorado and son of the iconic Deion Sanders, injected a dose of unapologetic confidence and forthright ambition into the proceedings. Sanders didn’t mince words, delivering a clear message to NFL teams: if you’re not seeking a transformative force to reshape your franchise’s culture, then he’s not your quarterback.

"If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t get me," Sanders stated definitively during a media session. "So, you should know, history repeats itself over and over and I’ve done it over and over.”

This wasn’t mere bravado. Sanders firmly believes in his ability to revitalize struggling teams, drawing upon his experiences at Jackson State and Colorado, where he played a pivotal role in elevating both programs to unprecedented levels of success under his father’s leadership. He spearheaded dramatic turnarounds, exhibiting not only exceptional quarterbacking skills but also an undeniable ability to inspire and lead.

Sanders’ proclamation serves as a direct appeal to teams at the top of the upcoming NFL draft, particularly those desperate for a franchise quarterback to inject new life and direction into their organizations. In the modern NFL, the quarterback position is inextricably linked to a team’s culture. More than just throwing touchdown passes, the quarterback is often the face of the franchise, the on-field leader, and the embodiment of the team’s values. Sanders understands this dynamic implicitly and believes he possesses the qualities to fulfill that role.

When questioned about his qualifications to ignite a similar culture shift at the professional level, Sanders responded with conviction, "I’ve done it at two locations already, so it’s simple. So, that’s why, when people say I’m not one of the top quarterbacks or the top quarterback, it’s what are y’all going off of? Because I did it year after year after year, and you see the progression. So, obviously, it’s got to be some type of external hate that you have for the family, for the last name, for anything. Because I know I proved myself on the field.”

Sanders’ confidence stems from his proven track record of success. Over the past two seasons at Colorado, he amassed impressive statistics, throwing for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns. He completed an astounding 74% of his passes last season, leading college football in that category. These numbers speak to his accuracy, arm strength, and overall quarterbacking ability.

However, Sanders acknowledges that his family name and his father’s prominent persona may be a source of negativity for some. Deion Sanders, affectionately known as "Coach Prime," is a polarizing figure. He is celebrated for his achievements, his charisma, and his commitment to empowering young athletes, but he also faces criticism for his outspokenness and flamboyant style.

Shedeur recognizes that this scrutiny extends to him. "It was interesting to hear Sanders suggest his pedigree might be a turnoff to some. But hardly shocking. His father, for as accomplished of an athlete he was in his heyday and for the substantial impact that he has on college football as “Coach Prime,” has always had detractors. After all, “Coach Prime” is proud, flamboyant and unapologetically Black. Add success to that mix and, well, haters will hate."

Despite this awareness, Sanders embraces the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong. He believes that his upbringing has equipped him with a unique perspective and resilience, attributes that could be invaluable in navigating the pressures and demands of the NFL. As the article highlights, "Then again, perhaps a progressive NFL shot-caller will process such a subplot as a substantial layer to Sanders’ potential as a change agent. In other words, the kid has a perspective and thicker skin that could be essential when the heat turns up amid NFL pressure."

His father nicknamed him "Grown" on his phone due to his maturity, sees Sanders’ mental fortitude as a significant asset. "You think I’m worried about what critics say or what people got to say?” Sanders retorted. “You know who my dad is? They hated on him, too. So, it’s almost normal. Without people hating, it’s not normal for us. So, we like the adversity. We like everything that comes with the name. That’s why we are who we are.”

The debate surrounding Sanders’ draft position remains intense. Several teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets, are in dire need of a quarterback and could potentially select him. Sanders undoubtedly believes he deserves to be the No. 1 overall pick. However, analysts and scouts have varying opinions, with some suggesting that Miami’s Cam Ward is a superior prospect or that other positions are of greater need for teams holding those early picks. Talented players such as Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Sanders’ Colorado teammate, Travis Hunter, could also influence the draft’s trajectory.

Sanders, however, remains unfazed by the projections and mock drafts. He draws inspiration from Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback who was famously drafted in the sixth round. "The number of where you go don’t matter,” Sanders emphasized. “I referenced Tom Brady because he was the best of the best in all categories. He didn’t go first. So, the number picked, again, don’t matter. I wasn’t the top-rated quarterback coming out of high school because it’s a lot of exterior things that people like and they don’t like about me. I’m realistic about my family and everything that people say comes with it.”

Brady’s influence on Sanders extends beyond inspiration. A few years ago, Brady invited Sanders to Tampa for a workout, providing him with invaluable insights and guidance. Sanders meticulously documented the session, revisiting the lessons and advice he received from the seven-time Super Bowl champion. "I filmed everything,” Sanders reflected. “So now even sometimes I go back and just listen to the things that he said at that time and it registers, everything that he said back then registers and it applies. So, that’s what I’m thankful for.”

Sanders possesses a combination of desirable traits for a quarterback: a strong and accurate arm, elusiveness in the pocket, impressive production, and strong leadership qualities. However, he considers his mental game to be his greatest strength, describing it as his "ultimate cheat code."

“Yeah, because I know nothing can faze me,” he explained. “No pressure, no situation. These cameras, nothing fazed me. I grew up with it.”

In conclusion, Shedeur Sanders arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine with a clear and compelling message. He is not merely seeking a place on an NFL roster; he is seeking an opportunity to transform a franchise and its culture. He believes his track record, his mental fortitude, and his unwavering confidence make him the ideal candidate to lead a team to success. Whether NFL teams heed his call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Shedeur Sanders has made his presence known, and he is ready to make an impact.