NFL legend Chad Johnson is frustrated with some of the recent criticism directed at Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While appearing on the popular ‘Nightcap’ podcast, Johnson highlighted how the words being used to describe Sanders negatively were good traits for a quarterback in the NFL to have.
After the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and some early interviews with various NFL teams, reports began to emerge that some individuals found Sanders “brash” and “arrogant”. These two words were mentioned and alluded to prior to Johnson providing his thoughts on the situation.
Chad Johnson Defends Shedeur Sanders
Johnson defended Sanders’ attitude, mindset, and skills on the podcast. The video in full can be found on the ‘Nightcap’ YouTube channel.
“That’s what you want from your quarterback. No, listen, don’t change. You know who else is brash, can I tell you one quarterback who was brash, especially coming out of college with the way he plays, the way he carried himself, by the name of Baker Mayfield. He went number one, too… Cam [Newton] brash.
Now, all of the sudden, there’s a problem with having confidence in yourself. It’s not brash, it’s having confidence, it’s believing in yourself and believing in the work that you’ve already put in,” Johnson stated.
Shedeur Sanders 2025 NFL Draft Outlook
Despite the recent criticism, Sanders is one of the most talented and most accomplished players available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to think of any successful quarterback or athlete who does not have a strong self-confidence in their abilities.
Whether it be Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, or now Shedeur Sanders, all of these players have a certain level of arrogance, something that may contribute to the elite talents and clutch abilities they all have. As a result, it seems unfair to judge the confidence level of one of the best QBs in the draft class.
In PFSN’s recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Sanders was selected No. 2 overall by the Cleveland Browns.
“Sanders is a promising NFL prospect. He is a pocket passer with enough mobility to make him effective. There are concerns about his arm strength, but he mitigates those with his compact release and impressive accuracy. Those mechanics can hide concerns when pressured, which is a concern with the Browns’ offensive line ranking 20th last season.”