“Like some of my idols were like Deion Sanders. I watch him catch like a helicopter or a jet to play professional baseball and go down as the best receiver.” This was Antonio Brown, praising the Colorado head coach, Deion Sanders, in a 2023 interview. A relationship akin to a mentor and a student always stayed between them. But if Star Wars taught us any lessons, it is that not always does a young padawan follow the path of his master. Antonio Brown? Well, he didn’t quite join with the Sith Lord, but the controversy now brewing between Deion and AB has all the elements filled with intrigue and shock.
When Deion Sanders arrived in Colorado, he did not just introduce a refined coaching strategy; he also envisioned a complete cultural overhaul. This transformation was always part of the plan, and it elevated Colorado to one of the most talked-about programs in college football. The results followed quickly: Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, emerged as the standout quarterback, becoming the hottest commodity in college football. His impressive performance included over 4,000 passing yards with a stellar 74% completion rate. However, the NFL draft cast a shadow over the excitement, leaving some fans concerned about the future and dampening the initial hype and confidence surrounding the program.
Shedeur slid in the draft and was drafted in the 5th round as the 144th pick by the Cleveland Browns. A player touted to be the top dawg in the draft now was a lowly backup; critics, media, and analysts all turned against the QB, giving their ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the process. But Deion Sanders’ previous ‘padawan,’ Antonio Brown, came out with a scathing statement against Shedeur’s massive slip. The former Steelers WR blasted Shedeur and wrote, “Now he su—-g d— where the coc–ness 5th round na now this the type of s— they have u do when u go 5th round.” Notably, Shedeur was visiting a high school at the time in the Browns’ student engagement drive. Deion Sanders? Well, he was watching all of this closely.
You would expect Deion Sanders to be furious, angry, and taking on a new feud, but Coach Prime decided to take the high road. He subtly replied to AB’s criticism, “Love ya man & I appreciate u, my brother. I will never publicly or privately speak negatively about you, man, regardless of what’s said. You KNOW I know u and I’m holding on & praying for the AB I know. Even when I played corner, I ain’t need any help. Lolol. Love ya 2 Life! PRIME.” If this were the Deion Sanders we saw in the NFL, the story might have been somewhere else. But Coach Prime’s patience in such an intense world is undoubtedly commendable. Well, the same can’t be said about AB, as he has now finally replied to Coach Prime’s subtle dig.
Thanks for all that hate ; thanks for all that fake shit ; i forgot to say under pressure i’m at my best…. https://t.co/JOvOtQBjAY
— AB (@AB84) May 3, 2025
The 7-time Pro Bowler replied to Deion Sanders on his X account with some harsh and NSFW words: “Thanks for all that hate; thanks for all that fake s—; I forgot to say under pressure I’m at my best…” The controversial former Steelers wideout does not seem to be backing down and not melting from Deion Sanders’ subtle words. Is it because of something that happened in the past?
Does AB simply enjoy getting into conflicts with people online? It’s hard to say for certain, but controversies have consistently surrounded him. This includes the reported incident with the Steelers in 2018 and an alleged sexual assault lawsuit in 2019. The drama didn’t stop with Deion Sanders, as AB also involved Coach Prime’s other son, Shilo Sanders, in the drama.
Shilo gets swept in AB’s harsh take on Deion Sanders
Shilo played last year but missed a few games due to injury. Still, the former Colorado safety notched up more than 65 tackles last season along with a sack. Despite all of this, no NFL team was ready to take him in the draft, and he went undrafted in the NFL draft. Shilo even jokingly said, “Dad was our agent. But that hasn’t been working out too good. So today I had to sign with an agent.” Well, the safety signed with an agent, and in just a few hours, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him as a free agent. AB also had an opinion on this whole issue.
“Deion stupid a– trying to be an agent, a coach, a commentator, preacher. Ain’t buying that s—.” The former NFL wideout even commented on Shedeur’s jersey being retired from Colorado. “ yall not serious. U know who should sue then… Kordell Stewart. Sue Sanders family & Colorado. No reason Shedeur jersey retired before Kordell. Kordell got top play in Colorado history 2. Smokes n Jokes season! #CTESPN.”
Well, all of this seems to have had no effect on Sanders’ family, who are continuing with their lives and not even choosing to engage with the wide receiver even on X now. Shedeur? Well, he may have been drafted at the 144th pick, but Shedeur’s jerseys are currently the best-selling amongst rookies in the NFL. The new Cleveland Browns QB is even ahead of the 2nd pick in the draft and his former teammate, Travis Hunter. So maybe there is some ‘Shedeur’ effect going on in the Browns’ QB room if the team hadn’t even thought that.
The post Antonio Brown Throws ‘Fake’ Shade at Deion Sanders as His Desperate Attempt to Salvage Sons’ Reputation Has No Impact appeared first on EssentiallySports.