'Hating on my dad': Shedeur Sanders opens up about carrying the weight of Deion Sanders' name
Shedeur Sanders opens up about majority of the criticism he faces is because of Deion Sanders (Image via AP)
Shedeur Sanders, rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has become a frequent target of online criticism, but not entirely for reasons tied to his own performance. Much of the scrutiny surrounding him appears to stem from the larger-than-life presence of his father, Deion Sanders.
As a Hall of Famer and head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, Deion's high-profile persona and outspoken nature have drawn both admiration and backlash over the years. That legacy, while inspiring, has also cast a long and often complicated shadow over Shedeur's journey to the NFL.
Navigating fame and expectations as Deion Sanders' son
Shedeur Sanders has faced waves of criticism as he enters the NFL, much of it influenced by long-standing opinions held by older generations.
In a recent visit to a Cleveland high school, Shedeur opened up about the criticism he receives and offered a revealing explanation behind it.
'A lot of it is just people hating on my dad. Older generations have a problem with him, and they take it out on me. I want to be someone they can look up to and ask real questions.'
Some analysts believe Shedeur Sanders' unexpected fall in the 2025 NFL Draft was partly due to lukewarm interviews with teams and unspoken biases tied to his background.
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His father, Deion Sanders, has publicly pushed back against what he sees as misleading narratives that may have negatively affected how teams evaluated his son.
Despite the controversy, Shedeur views his father's involvement as a strength, not a setback. Reflecting on the criticism around his father's presence, Shedeur offered a pointed response, "I didn't know your parents being involved and wanting the best for you is a problem."
His words highlight the frustration of navigating a system where family support is sometimes viewed with suspicion rather than respect.
In the midst of career pressures and public scrutiny, Shedeur Sanders continues to prioritize his role beyond the football field. Rather than letting criticism harden him, he's using his platform to connect with younger generations in meaningful ways. "I want to be someone they can look up to and ask real questions," he stated.
Also read:
'I didn't insult or attack her,' Ryan Clark states acknowledging misstep in explosive RGIII feud
His approach is rooted in accessibility and authenticity, qualities that resonate with those who see him not just as an athlete, but as someone relatable and open. Through these efforts, Sanders is quietly redefining what leadership looks like for a young player stepping into the national spotlight.
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