Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders was originally slated to participate in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. However, Sanders has decided not to participate and will instead keep his body healthy before the 2025 NFL Draft. He decided not to participate in the game or practices after all three teams with the top three picks — the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants — asked him not to participate.
Shedeur Sanders Receives Praise for Opting Out of the Senior Bowl
When Sanders opted out of the Shrine Bowl, several in the media expected him to participate in the Senior Bowl instead.
The Senior Bowl is often viewed as a more glamorous event. Nevertheless, Sanders is staying to watch the Shrine Bowl, and as a result, many media members will be sticking around.
One X user was quick to give Sanders praise for his selfless decision.
“Man can’t give enough credit to Shedeur Sanders for guaranteeing his CU brothers eat too. He could have selfishly opted for the Senior Bowl in Mobile. The media won’t mention it, but those NFL Scouts are well aware of the type of teammate he is.”
Man can’t give enough credit to @ShedeurSanders for guaranteeing his CU brothers eat too. He could have selfishly opted for the Senior Bowl in Mobile. The media won’t mention it, but those NFL Scouts are well aware of the type of teammate he is. #Legendary https://t.co/MN6QeHOGIr
— Ossacin’s Ducktail (@OssacinDucktail) January 28, 2025
Five of Sanders’ Colorado teammates are slated to participate in the Shrine Bowl on Team West, including his brother, safety Shilo Sanders. The other four Buffaloes members expected to participate include wide receivers LaJohntay Wester, Will Sheppard, and Jimmy Horn Jr., as well as defensive back Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig.
What Is the Purpose of the East-West Shrine Bowl?
The Shrine Bowl is a postseason all-star game with 100 players from across the country, with 50 picked from each side of the nation.
However, this game has more significance to the players than the average all-star game. It’s a last-chance opportunity for players to show their talents to NFL scouts in a game environment before the NFL Draft.
Although teams will get to see the physical attributes of these players at the NFL Combine in February, it’s not the same as seeing live game footage. As a result, the Shrine Bowl is a great opportunity for players to improve their draft stock, which all five Buffaloes players in attendance will be looking to do.