The NFL has seen many legends come and go over the years, including many of their own kids. Now, legendary former NFL defensive back Deion Sanders is coaching his son, Shedeur, at the University of Colorado.
Sanders could’ve opted for the 2024 NFL Draft but decided to return to college. In the past, he’s opened up about what it’s like playing for his father.
Shedeur Sanders on NFL Father and Coach Deion Sanders
Shedeur Sanders was born Feb. 7, 2002, in Tyler, Texas. He attended Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas, where Deion was the school’s offensive coordinator.
Shedeur was rated as a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports, before committing to Florida Atlantic and later flipping to Jackson State when Deion was announced as head coach.
Sanders then spent two seasons at Jackson State, compiling a 21-3 record starting every game for the team. Deion was later hired by the Colorado Buffaloes, leading Shedeur to enter the transfer portal to follow his father to Colorado.
Since taking over, Deion has been reportedly running Colorado like an NFL program.
In his first season with the Buffaloes, Shedeur started 11 games, going 4-7 and passing for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions. In his collegiate career as a whole so far, he’s passed for 10,193 yards, 97 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. He also has 79 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
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“I’ll be able to handle any coach if I can handle my dad,” said Sanders when he was 16 years old. “He acts like I’m an NFL player.”
Deion recently shared a video on his Instagram, highlighting the old quote and Sanders’ commitment to Jackson State.
Who Does Shedeur Sanders Compare to at the Next Level?
While Sanders opted to return to college for the 2024 season, he’s still likely to come out for the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final collegiate season, he will compete to be the top quarterback of the next draft.
According to Matt Miller of ESPN, Sanders compares to Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
“He’s so surgical and accurate, and the touch passes are there, and he’s poised, like Tua,” said Miller on ESPN’s First Draft podcast.
“He’s not exceptionally mobile, but he’s gonna give you something. I think Shedeur’s probably a better runner just because he doesn’t have the injury history of a Tua right now,” said Miller. “But I can’t think of a player I’ve been more impressed by this season. I love watching Shedeur Sanders play.”
In his four seasons with Miami, Tagovailoa has compiled 12,639 yards, 81 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions. He’s also put together a 32-19 record, 66.9% completion percentage, and 97.1 rating. He’s made one Pro Bowl in his career.
Another popular comparison is Geno Smith, who has made a career resurgence in recent years with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and has since played for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seahawks.
MORE: Quinn Ewers, Shedeur Sanders To Headline 2025 NFL Draft QB Class?
In his career, Smith has passed for 14,823 yards, 84 touchdowns, and 57 interceptions. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Additionally, he led the NFL in completion percentage in 2022 and has a career record of 30-36 in his 66 career starts.
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