Trump’s Draft Day Advocacy: Shedeur Sanders, NFL Owners, and a Touch of Genetics
The 2024 NFL Draft saw its share of surprises, but perhaps none more peculiar than the unexpected slide of Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders and former quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes. Projected by some to be a top pick, possibly even going as high as number two, Sanders found himself falling further down the draft board than anticipated, leaving many in the sports world scratching their heads. Enter former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to voice his displeasure and question the decision-making of NFL owners.
In a post on April 25th, Trump bluntly asked, "What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?" He went on to extol the virtues of Deion Sanders, both as a player and a coach, highlighting his "streetwise" intelligence. Trump then connected Deion’s success to his son Shedeur, asserting that the young quarterback possessed "PHENOMENAL GENES" and was "all set for Greatness."
Trump elaborated on his defense of Sanders during a phone interview with Fox News contributor Hugh Hewitt. He cited two key factors: his admiration for Deion Sanders, a known supporter, and his belief in Shedeur’s genetic potential. "His father is a big Trump fan, and I like it when people are Trump fans," Trump told Hewitt. "His father has said great things about me over the years. No 2, genetics. He has good genes for a football player. I watched him play for a little bit, and I thought he was a really talented quarterback. I like his gene pool, and I like his talent. I really think he’s going to do well. I just felt they treated him really badly."
The former president’s comments injected an unexpected dose of politics and personal endorsement into the already-charged atmosphere of the NFL Draft. The idea of "good genes" being a primary factor in evaluating a quarterback prospect sparked considerable debate, further fueling the intrigue surrounding Sanders’ draft position.
Shilo Sanders, Shedeur’s brother, expressed his astonishment at Trump’s intervention on the "One Night with Steiny" podcast. "Man, I’m not even gonna lie. That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, bro," he said. "Fam, if you got the president tweeting, bro, you know something’s wrong."
Adding another layer to the Sanders family narrative, Shilo was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft concluded. This move prompted Deion Sanders to express his gratitude to the organization. "I’m very thankful. Tampa’s a wonderful spot," Deion said during a Twitch stream, praising Coach Todd Bowles as "a defensive-minded guy" and "brilliant."
The two-time Super Bowl winner went a step further, personally thanking Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht for giving his son a chance. "Coach Prime called him Saturday night and thanked him for giving (Shilo) a fair shot," according to Joe Bucs Fan.
Despite the pre-draft hype and Trump’s public support, Shedeur Sanders ultimately landed with the Cleveland Browns. He joins a crowded quarterback room that already includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. While the presence of established veterans might make it difficult for him to see immediate playing time, it also provides a valuable opportunity to learn and develop within a professional environment.
Sanders finished the 2024 season with an impressive 4,134 passing yards, showcasing his talent and potential. Whether he can translate that success to the NFL remains to be seen.
The saga surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ draft experience is a multi-faceted story involving family legacy, political endorsement, and the high-stakes world of professional football. Trump’s vocal support, while unconventional, undoubtedly added to the drama and raised questions about the factors that influence NFL team decisions. The "good genes" comment, in particular, served as a talking point, sparking discussions about the role of genetics in athletic success and the subjective nature of talent evaluation.
The Sanders brothers, both now in the NFL, have the opportunity to prove their worth on the field. Shedeur faces an uphill battle to earn playing time in Cleveland, but his talent and lineage suggest he has the potential to succeed. Shilo, as an undrafted free agent, will need to work hard to make the Buccaneers’ roster and contribute to the team.
Ultimately, the Sanders’ story is a reminder that the NFL Draft is just the beginning. Players still have to earn their place in the league, regardless of their draft position or pre-draft hype. The real test comes on the field, where talent, hard work, and determination ultimately determine success. Whether the Sanders brothers can live up to the expectations placed upon them remains to be seen, but their journey is sure to be closely watched by fans, analysts, and perhaps even a former president or two.
