NFL Hall of Famer Claims League Told Teams Not To Draft Sanders

Shedeur Sanders, a highly regarded quarterback from Colorado, experienced a surprising slide to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft despite early projections placing him as a top ten pick. Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson claimed that the NFL instructed teams not to draft Sanders in order to "make an example" of him, suggesting the league sought to punish the quarterback. According to Dickerson, a trusted insider revealed that even the Cleveland Browns were warned not to select Sanders but were compelled to draft him after receiving a direct call. These allegations have sparked controversy and speculation among fans and commentators, with some questioning the motives behind the NFL's alleged decision and others expressing skepticism about the league's authority to enforce such directives. President Donald Trump also publicly condemned the NFL owners for passing on Sanders, adding to the discussion around the draft irregularities. The NFL has not confirmed these claims, and the situation continues to be a topic of debate regarding league power and player treatment.