Shedeur Sanders Declares Himself a Franchise-Altering Force at NFL Combine
Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback prospect expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, arrived at the NFL Combine with a clear message: he believes he can revolutionize an NFL franchise. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sanders exuded confidence, drawing upon his experiences transforming programs at both Jackson State University and the University of Colorado.
"We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back-to-back," Sanders stated emphatically. "You don’t think I could come to an NFL franchise and change a program again? It’s history, it’s always going to repeat itself."
Sanders’ conviction stems from a belief in his leadership abilities and his understanding of the game’s mental aspects. He emphasized that he is not just a quarterback with physical talent, but a leader capable of building a winning culture.
"If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t get me," Sanders said. "So, you should know history repeats itself over and over and over, and I’ve done it over and over, so it should be no question why NFL franchises should pick me."
The Colorado star quarterback identified strong leadership as his defining trait. "I would say being a leader, that’s my best trait overall, because everything is mental. So, if I play my game from the neck up, I got to be able to adjust to my players, to have them have relatability for them to get to know me, for us to make everything smooth."
Sanders underscored his ability to connect with diverse groups of players, citing his experiences at an HBCU and a Power Four conference. "I came from an HBCU and then went (to a Power Four conference), those two types of different players, and it’s very diverse, and getting to know people, talk to people and making everything genuine," he explained. "That’s why when I’m here interacting with people, I love interacting with people so they can truly get to know me and not just know clicks or anything like that."
He also highlighted the importance of mental fortitude on the field. "It’s extremely important to keep your mental in the best place because that’s where my game is played. My game is not played from my legs and not even just my arm. So I know longevity, the all-time greats. What’s Tom Brady’s best trait? His mental. He’s able to think. So if you have those traits of greatness and I know where I’m heading, then why wouldn’t a franchise pick me? You’ve got the ultimate cheat code."
While Sanders is confident in his abilities, some analysts have expressed reservations, suggesting that he and Miami quarterback Cam Ward may not be as highly regarded as the quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class. Last year’s quarterback pool included talents such as Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., JJ McCarthy, and Bo Nix, some of whom have already made significant impacts in their rookie seasons.
Sanders, however, dismissed these comparisons, particularly the notion that he is not the top quarterback in the 2025 draft class. "When people say I’m not one of the top quarterbacks or the top quarterback, what are y’all going based off of? Because I did it year after year after year, and you see the progression. Obviously, it has to be some kind of external hate that you have for the family, for the last name, for anything, because I know I’ve proven myself on the field."
His on-field performance at Colorado speaks for itself. Last season, Sanders threw for 4,314 yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and a bowl game appearance. This was a significant improvement from the team’s 4-8 record the previous year and their dismal 1-11 record before the Sanders family’s arrival.
Sanders’ impact on Colorado’s football program is undeniable. He injected new life into a struggling team, drawing national attention and revitalizing the fan base. His ability to attract talent and create a winning atmosphere is precisely what he believes he can replicate in the NFL.
Several teams near the top of the draft are in need of a quarterback, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants. These franchises could potentially select Sanders or Ward, hoping that one of them can become their long-term solution at the quarterback position.
Whether Sanders can live up to his bold pronouncements remains to be seen. However, his confidence, leadership qualities, and proven ability to turn programs around make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking a franchise-altering player. The upcoming draft will be a pivotal moment in his career, determining where he will have the opportunity to prove himself on the highest stage of professional football. Only time will tell if Sanders can indeed replicate his success and transform an NFL franchise into a contender. His journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if his confidence is justified.
