Alright, let’s talk about the madness swirling around Shedeur Sanders right now. Sanders’ son went from a surefire top-three NFL Draft pick to suddenly getting dragged left and right like he’s just another guy. And why? ‘Cause he’s Deion Sanders’ kid. Yup, folks are acting like Shedeur’s getting a free ride to the league just because he’s Coach Prime’s son. And the worst part? It’s got the least to do with his game. It’s all about the name on the back of his jersey. But you know Stephen A. Smith ain’t about to let that slide. He ain’t having none of the Deion Sanders slanders—he’s ready to shut down the haters while keeping it real about the only knock on Shedeur.
The chatter’s been wild lately. Shedeur Sanders, who balled out at Colorado, is somehow slipping down draft boards like he got greased-up hands. From being a lock for a top-three pick, now people are talking mid-first round like he ain’t been throwing missiles and lighting up defenses. But, surprise, the main critique? Deion Sanders’ son.
And of course, Stephen A. Smith had to hop on the mic and spit some truth. During the March 18th episode of ‘First Take,’ Smith went all in, promising to shut down the haters gunning for Deion and Shedeur. “So you have people that are trying to sort of dilute and minimize his (Deion Sanders) joy, and he’s saying you ain’t doing it,” he said. “And instead of appreciating it, they’re hating on it, and we’re not going to let that happen. I know I’m not gonna let that happen; he ain’t gonna happen on this show, I pro—I promise you that. As long as I’m breathing and I’m in the sports industry, we going to make sure we recognizing the good and the bad, the greatness of this man and what he’s done and what he has meant to the world of sports.
Stephen A. Smith wasn’t just defending Deion’s coaching. He was sticking up for Shedeur too, who’s been catching strays for absolutely no reason. “Shedeur Sanders—do you know the only thing that we could say about Shedeur Sanders, Molly? Literally the only criticism is that you might need to stop this, you understand what I’m saying, with the ice in your watch. That’s about it.” Mimicking Shedeur Sanders’ ice on watch flex, he continued, “There’s nothing to say about this kid. The kid conducts himself professionally, with class, and he performs at the highest level.”
Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders | Image Credit: Imago
Now, sure, Stephen A. Smith admitted the only gripe on Shedeur is his flashy attitude. That “ice on his veins, ice on his watch” swagger doesn’t sit right with everyone. But is that really enough to knock a dude’s draft stock? Well, this whole thing smells like a setup to drag Deion’s name through the mud while they’re at it.
Smith nailed it. The man’s resume speaks for itself. Shedeur Sanders stacked over 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns as a freshman at Jackson State. Came back even harder as a sophomore with 3,732 yards and 40 TDs. Then he lands at Colorado and straight-up breaks the school record with 510 passing yards in a single game. Even in a 4–8 season, he dropped 3,230 yards, 27 TDs, and kept those interceptions in check. And just to prove it wasn’t a fluke, he took the Buffs to a 9–4 season in 2024, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. How’s that not first-round worthy?
Stephen A. Smith goes berserk over Shedeur Sanders’ scouting report
But here’s the kicker. Stephen A. Smith ain’t just upset about the doubters. He’s mad about the straight-up lies being spread. “And in the face of scrutiny, now we got people lying on him and creating narratives to derail him ahead of time just to get at his daddy.” That’s the truth nobody wants to admit. It’s not about Shedeur’s skillset. It’s about folks who can’t handle Deion Sanders winning on his own terms.
Meanwhile, former NFL scout Daniel Kelly, who must be living rent-free in Shedeur’s mind at this point, hopped on X to claim Shedeur is nothing more than “undrafted free agency” material. You gotta be kidding. At worst, Shedeur is a mid-first-round pick, and even that’s pushing it. Anything less is straight-up hate.
Caleb Williams and Shedeur Sanders are two of the most overhyped and overrated prospects in NFL Draft history.
Putting a pre draft 4th round grade on Williams and an undraftable free agent grade on Sanders are two of the easiest scouting reports I’ve ever done in my life.
All… pic.twitter.com/lNv37ByKZz
— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) March 17, 2025
On last Wednesday episode, Stephen A. Smith officially lost his cool. “I’m trying to remain composed and not really be as angry as I want to be,” he said on First Take. “I’m fuming inside right now. What is he supposed to be as a quarterback entering the NFL?” Stephen A. Smith wasn’t done there. He hit the haters with the realness. “You can’t be insecure and still succeed. You can’t have doubts about your abilities and be successful as a quarterback in the NFL. If I know that, every single executive knows you have to have confidence. He has a resume that validates and backs up his confidence.”
“I’m getting angry because a young, black man, highly successful, highly accomplished, an incomparable and incredible pedigree is entering the NFL, is considered easily one of the top two quarterbacks entering the NFL Draft…We’re hearing about his attitude. Hasn’t been in trouble. Ever found himself in any kind of trouble?”
April 24th can’t come fast enough. All eyes are on the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants. They’re holding the top three picks, and if Shedeur Sanders drops below that, you already know it’s not about his talent. It’s about the haters clinging to their tired narratives and his so-called lack of professionalism. And you better believe Stephen A. Smith is going to keep talking until the truth wins out.
The post Stephen A. Smith Vows to Take Down Deion Sanders’ Haters as He Confirms Only Gripe With Son Shedeur appeared first on EssentiallySports.