The Sanders family is no stranger to the spotlight. Colorado star Shedeur Sanders has been under public scrutiny all of his college career and is facing backlash now more than ever as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
While most fans and analysts appreciate Shedeur’s confidence, many label him overconfident and overhyped because of his last name.
Shrine Bowl Director Defends Sheder Sanders Amid Criticism
The Colorado star was in Indianapolis this week for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine; while he decided to let his four years of film do the talking and not throw at the event, he was available for the media interactions and the team interviews.
An NFL journalist recently reported that a pro quarterbacks coach from a top 7 team thinks Sheduer came off as “brash” and “arrogant.” The coach shared that he has concerns with players who see this level of money and fame before coming to the league.
However, the Shrine Bowl director Eric Galko, who worked closely with the Colorado Star multiple times, advocated for Shedeur and said that he’s a mature, wise, and prepared quarterback and leader whose confidence and perspective may be different to see and hear initially but are what make him unique.
During and after the Combine, I’ve seen a lot of discussion around Shedeur Sanders and his character, makeup and attitude.
Thankful to have gotten to know him and work with him the last few months, and I wanted to share my experiences with him.
People are entitled to their… pic.twitter.com/DvX5dmDYnp
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) March 5, 2025
“For one, I’ve seen Shedeur, both at #Colorado and during the #ShrineBowl in my interactions with him, hungry to learn how other great players became successful. He asks truly great questions about the NFL, past and current NFL QBs, and the business of football, both to me and NFL experienced players/executives from what I’ve specifically seen.
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He has great intuition on what matters, how to think about the game, and of course the unique benefit of knowing life in the NFL thanks to his father and MANY mentors in his life to prepare, stay organized and be mentally equipped for the NFL.”
“At the Shrine Bowl, Shedeur was immensely respectful to all of our staff and NFL clubs, and many that I saw that he interacted will say he connects easily with his handshake, smile, genuine communication and engagement. I’m thankful to have worked with a lot of respectful players in my time, but not many have the mix of true confidence AND genuine respectfulness to staff and personnel that he displays.
I believe many on the Shrine Bowl staff, and our partners at Wilson and in the media that dealt with him can attest to his respectfulness throughout his time at the Shrine Bowl.”
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from 24-26th April.