Eric Dickerson Claims NFL Directed Teams Against Drafting Shedeur Sanders

Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson claimed that the NFL instructed teams not to draft quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to "make an example" of him. Sanders, projected as a first-round pick, instead fell to the fifth round where the Cleveland Browns selected him at No. 144 overall. According to Dickerson, the Browns were initially not going to draft Sanders but were pressured by an NFL call to do so. The alleged league directive appeared to be a response to Sanders' brand-building efforts and the outspoken approach of his father, Deion Sanders. Despite the controversy, some insiders like Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer dismissed conspiracy theories, suggesting that teams simply did not view Sanders as a first-round talent. Sanders has since impressed in preseason play, competing for a backup quarterback spot behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel on the Browns roster.