Shedeur Sanders Projected to Make Colorado History in Mock NFL Career
Shedeur Sanders Projected to Make Colorado History in Mock NFL Career originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Shedeur Sanders has yet to take a real NFL snap, but there are already projections on how his career in the league will end. While DraftKings typically sticks to sports betting, they took a shot at Sanders' future.
A few takeaways from the graphic would put him in the conversation as the best Colorado player in NFL history. All of the firsts for a former Buffaloes quarterback, but NFL MVP would be an untouchable honor. DraftKings also predicts he'll be part of the 2046 class to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If this happens, he'll likely be the second player in CU history to receive football's highest honor.
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Cliff Branch will forever be known as the first former Colorado player to be enshrined in Canton. The three-time Super Bowl winner with the Los Angeles Raiders left his mark on the game. He still holds the record for longest touchdown from scrimmage in NFL history and put the league on notice with his 'Speed Kills' mentality.
The receiver from Houston, Texas compiled a 14-year career in the NFL, including wins in Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII for the Raiders. A four-time pro bowler, who led the league in receiving in 1974 with 1,092 yards (18.2 Avg.) and 13 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Branch went into the hall posthumously after passing away at the age of 71.
There was a time when Raiders owner Al Davis was viewed as a thorn in the NFL's side. Branch believed he was subject to scrutiny by Hall of Fame voters because of the relationship between Davis and the league.
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"I think it's a political thing because a lot of the players are blocked from being in the hall of fame with the Raiders because of Al Davis, Branch told SB Nation's Ralphie Report in 2016. "(He) was the most hated owner because of his lawsuit against the NFL and he won lawsuits against the league. The sportswriters have always had hatred towards Mr. Davis because of his pioneer way and being very successful. You think of all the people that went into the hall of fame and all the times Al Davis presented players from not only the Raiders. I think there's a lot held against Mr. Davis because of his players."
Related: Shedeur Sanders retirement being 'forced' by Deion, says Denver reporter
Sanders is one of six players to have his jersey number retired by Colorado, including his teammate and Heisman winner, Travis Hunter. If Shedeur can pull off a legendary career in the NFL, there's a chance he'll join Branch to represent CU Football in Canton.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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