Did Shedeur Sanders Really Wear Headphones to NFL Pre-Draft Meetings? Deion Sanders Responds

By Jason Bolton June 11, 2025 10:10

In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, found himself at the center of swirling controversy. Reports emerged claiming that Shedeur had behaved unprofessionally during his pre-draft meetings, including an infamous allegation that he wore headphones during interviews with NFL teams. These rumors contributed to a dramatic fall in his draft stock from a projected first-round pick to a fifth-round selection by the Cleveland Browns. But are these claims true? Deion Sanders has vehemently denied them, offering a blunt and passionate defense of his son’s character and professionalism.

The Allegations and Their Impact

Multiple media outlets and anonymous NFL sources circulated stories suggesting Shedeur was unprepared for interviews and even “tank[ed]” meetings with teams he preferred not to join. One particularly damaging rumor alleged that during a meeting with the New York Giants, Shedeur wore headphones, signaling disinterest or disrespect. This narrative painted a picture of a young quarterback who lacked the professionalism expected at the next level.

The fallout was significant. Shedeur, once considered a top-10 prospect, slid all the way to the fifth round (144th overall), costing him millions in potential earnings and raising questions about his readiness for the NFL.

Deion Sanders’ Forceful Rebuttal

Deion Sanders, now head coach at Colorado, addressed these reports during an appearance on the “Say What Needs To Be Said” podcast with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel. His response was unequivocal.

“When you sit up there and say something like he went into a meeting unprepared, like, dude,” Deion said, shaking his head. “Shedeur Sanders? Who has had six different offensive coordinators, who has still functioned and leveled up every time we brought somebody new in, and you’re going to tell me he was unprepared? You’re going to tell me he had on headphones? Anybody who knows my son understands he’s a professional.”

He continued, calling the allegations “foolish stuff” and “lies,” emphasizing that Shedeur would never disrespect a meeting in that manner. “You expect me to believe he wore headphones? Y’all, come on now,” Deion added, clearly frustrated by the false narratives.

Deion also reflected on the emotional toll the rumors took on his family. “It did hurt,” he acknowledged, “but as the Bible states, God often uses the foolish to challenge the wise. There were certainly some foolish moments, yet they provided the necessary motivation.”

The Reality on the Ground

While some NFL insiders, including a longtime assistant coach, described Shedeur’s formal interview as “the worst” they had ever experienced, others have questioned the accuracy of these characterizations. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported that Shedeur “more or less sandbagged” interviews with teams he didn’t want to join, which some interpreted as strategic rather than unprofessional behavior.

Despite the draft-day drama, Shedeur has already impressed with the Cleveland Browns during offseason practices, competing for the starting quarterback position alongside veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookie Dillon Gabriel. His father remains confident that the challenges of the pre-draft process will fuel Shedeur’s determination to prove doubters wrong.

Looking Ahead

The headphone story and other pre-draft rumors may linger in NFL lore, but Deion Sanders’ defense underscores a larger truth about his son: professionalism and preparation have been hallmarks of Shedeur’s journey, even amid adversity. As Shedeur embarks on his NFL career, the focus will shift from speculation to performance on the field.

In Deion’s words, “You’re not going to catch my kids in no foolery or no mess. You’re not going to do that whatsoever.” Now, it’s up to Shedeur to translate that promise into success with the Browns.