Deion Sanders Sends Clear Message to Mel Kiper Jr. After NFL Draft Controversy

Yahoo

18-05-2025

The NFL draft is now firmly in the rearview mirror, and while both quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have found homes for the foreseeable future, some drama surfaced this week involving ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
It started when Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal claimed he had spoken to 'a million people' about Ward during the pre-draft process—except, notably, not Kiper.
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Kiper, a vocal supporter of Sanders throughout the draft, expressed his frustration live on-air as Shedeur continued to slide down the board. For nearly four rounds, Sanders remained the No. 1 overall player on Kiper's big board.
Responding to Cristobal's comments on Wednesday, Kiper fired back on social media:
'Mario Cristobal claims he spoke to a million people about Cam Ward, yet the one he didn't speak to—me—had Ward ranked higher (6th on my Big Board) than any other draft expert,' Kiper posted. 'Interesting, isn't it? And oh by the way, I didn't speak to Deion about Shedeur either. I need another Orange Crush after this nonsense.'
By Thursday, Colorado Buffaloes head coach—and Shedeur's father—Deion Sanders had responded. Sanders retweeted Kiper's post with a message of appreciation and clarity:
'But I love you, my man! You stood on the desk with great balance, 10 toes down, and said what you doggone said & didn't flinch. You knew what time it was, my man, and we're blessed to be right where God wanted us to be—with OPPORTUNITY. They forgot I was in the TV/entertainment business for 20 years before coaching.'
Mel Kiper Jr. has been covering the NFL draft for decades, and he's no stranger to criticism. Known for his bold takes and firm opinions, Kiper rarely flinches in the face of backlash—and this year was no different.
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Throughout the 2025 draft, Kiper remained one of Shedeur Sanders' most vocal supporters, especially as the Colorado quarterback unexpectedly slid down the board. His continued defense of Sanders became a viral storyline after Shedeur went unselected through Day 1 and Day 2.
Colorado Buffaloes HC Deion SandersCU Buffs
While Cam Ward was selected No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans, Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns finally picked him at No. 144—an outcome that shocked many, including Kiper, who had consistently projected Sanders as a clear first-round talent.
Related: Mel Kiper Called Out for Shedeur Sanders Commentary