Sometimes, skill alone isn’t enough—perception matters too. Just ask Shedeur Sanders about his unexpected draft slide. His fall down the NFL draft board was a humbling moment for the Sanders family. Despite being projected as a first-to-third-round pick, Shedeur was taken by the Cleveland Browns at 144th overall in the 5th round. However, what went wrong? NFL fans and experts were puzzled, but the answer lies in perceptions surrounding Shedeur and his father. Recent analysis points to their attitude as a key factor in his drop. So, it’s a powerful reminder: in the NFL, talent isn’t the only thing on the line. But now another side of Shedeur’s story is coming up.
Although the former Colorado QB’s draft slide shocked many, the warning signs were there. Whispers from the NFL Combine hinted at behind-the-scenes concerns. According to a league source via FOX Sports, “[Shedeur Sanders is] a good person, but people didn’t like the personality.” On top of that, one anonymous QBs coach from a top-7 team reportedly labeled Shedeur as ‘brash’ and ‘arrogant’, as revealed by insider Josina Anderson. Honestly, his arm talent, especially deep downfield, was never in question. But for some scouts and execs, the attitude raised red flags that talent alone couldn’t silence.
But legacies carry weight in the NFL, and the Sanders family expected a very different outcome on draft night. To his credit, Shedeur took the slide in stride—more composed than most expected. And rumors say the Browns called mid-draft, asking him to make his case. He did—and landed in Cleveland, a team already loaded with QB competition. Now, he’s got work to do. Shedeur must prove he belongs, silence the critics, and rewrite the narrative. And just as the outside noise hit its peak, his very first coach stepped in—finally breaking the silence.
On May 6, Michael Pollock—one of Coach Prime’s most loyal lieutenants—had heard enough. After weeks of swirling rumors and shots fired at Shedeur, Pollock broke his silence. He jumped on social media, not with vague support, but with fire. The longtime CU assistant didn’t drop names, but his message was crystal clear. The talk about Shedeur flopping in a meeting with Giants coach Brian Daboll? Baseless. Still, for Pollock, this wasn’t analysis—it was a smear campaign. And he wasn’t letting it slide.
I was the first Offensive Coordinator that @ShedeurSanders had in college, and I have been with him throughout his NCAA career. He has had multiple OC’s in college and has NEVER had a problem learning a new system, being prepared, and executing at a high level. STOP THE LIES!
— Michael Pollock (@CoachPollockCU) May 5, 2025
He dropped a bold truth bomb on X. With critics questioning Shedeur’s football IQ and pre-draft prep, Pollock clapped back hard. “I was the first OC that @ShedeurSanders had in college, and I have been with him throughout his college career. He has had multiple OC’s in college and has NEVER had a problem learning a new system, being prepared, and executing at a high level. STOP THE LIES!” wrote Pollock. No fluff. No filter. Just facts from a coach who’s seen it all.
Look, Michael Pollock knows Shedeur Sanders better than most. As Jackson State’s co-OC and QB coach in 2021, he guided a freshman Shedeur to 3,231 passing yards and 30 TDs straight out of the gate. Since then, Pollock’s worn multiple hats at Jackson State and now serves as CU’s special teams coordinator. But one thing hasn’t changed: his belief in Shedeur’s football brain, work ethic, and command of the game. He’s seen the grind up close—and he’s not letting false narratives fly unchecked.
We know Shedeur Sanders shattered records at CU, lighting up the stat sheet under the guidance of Pat Shurmur and Sean Lewis. However, the talent? Undeniable. But not everyone was sold. Cam Newton, who had already called out Shedeur once before, didn’t hold back. According to the former MVP, there’s more to Shedeur’s draft tumble than just football. In his eyes, attitude played just as big a role as arm strength. And when Cam speaks, people listen.
Cam Newton’s brutal take on Shedeur Sanders
Look, before the 2025 NFL Draft gained full momentum, Cam Newton already had a sharp take on Shedeur Sanders’ path to the NFL. Yes, during a January 23 appearance on an ESPN podcast, Newton didn’t hold back and said, “I’m the guy who’s been pushing Shedeur to greatness, but Shedeur doesn’t want to be challenged.” Newton’s blunt criticism? He believes Shedeur thrived in a convenient situation, and he’s standing firm in his assessment.
However, Shedeur Sanders went from being the most sacked player in 2023 to boasting the highest completion percentage (74.1%) in FBS. His improvement is undeniable, proving he thrives under challenge with impressive accuracy, especially on timing routes. But why the draft slide? Here, Newton suggests it’s more than just stats—it’s Shedeur’s off-field persona. “He’s always got that mean mug, snobbish look,” pointed out Newton. This isn’t the first time Shedeur’s attitude has sparked controversy, with some even labeling him with ‘red flags’ off the field.
Now, NFL Rookie Watch revealed that some NFL teams have concerns about Shedeur Sanders’ focus. Reports suggest he’s more invested in his rap career and building a personal brand than fully committing to football. Moreover, an anonymous NFL GM even flagged Shedeur’s fiery attitude and watch flexing as ‘red flags’ for his personality. So, the concerns go beyond just his on-field talent.
But now, it’s his time to prove himself with the Browns and silence the criticism.
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