Deion Sanders’ influence on the NFL Draft: An intersection of family and football

With the top end of the draft order in place, Coach Prime will try to position his stars

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The concept of a parent being deeply invested in their child’s future is universal, and this is especially true for parents of athletes with NFL aspirations. When the parent in question is Deion Sanders—one of the most iconic figures in football history—their influence extends far beyond that of an average parent. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight on Sanders and his two sons, Shedeur and Shilo, as well as Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter, intensifies. The question of how much sway Sanders has over their draft destinies is not just a topic of speculation but a point of contention and conversation throughout the sports world.

Last month, Deion Sanders addressed the speculation directly on social media:

“It will be multiple IDIOTS that will say things that totally aren’t true regarding where I would like Shedeur Sanders & Shilo Sanders to play in the NFL. If I say it I will say it directly to whom it may concern not a attention seeker. I do know Roger Goodell personally.”

It will be multiple IDIOTS that will say things that totally aren’t true regarding where I would like @ShedeurSanders & @ShiloSanders to play in the @nfl. If I say it I will say it directly to whom it may concern not a attention seeker. I do know @nflcommish personally! 🎤drop

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 30, 2024

This tweet, while seemingly dismissive of the rumors, paradoxically reignited the conversation. Sanders’ denial that he would publicly influence his sons’ draft destinations contrasts sharply with comments he has made in the past. This dichotomy raises essential questions: How much influence does Deion Sanders truly wield? And is this level of involvement a problem—or simply the natural progression of player empowerment in the NIL era?

The Origin of the Narrative

The idea that Sanders might play a role in guiding his sons’ careers is neither new nor far-fetched. Last March, during an appearance on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Sanders made comments that seemed to affirm his involvement:

“I know where I kinda want them to go. There are certain cities where it ain’t gonna happen. It’s gonna be an Eli.”

The reference to Eli Manning recalls the infamous 2004 NFL Draft, when Manning and his father, Archie, orchestrated a trade to ensure Eli would not play for the San Diego Chargers. Sanders’ invocation of this precedent was clear and deliberate, signaling that he sees himself in a similar position regarding his sons’ futures.

The sports world latched onto these comments, dissecting their implications across platforms like ESPN’s Get Up and First Take. Analysts such as Mike Tannenbaum and Robert Griffin III noted that this level of involvement is increasingly feasible, particularly for elite prospects with famous parents. Conversely, others—like Shannon Sharpe—expressed concern about the precedent it sets, questioning whether such influence undermines the fairness and unpredictability of the draft process.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders won't attend 2025 NFL Draft

The Rules According to Prime

Sanders’ influence extends beyond vague suggestions and cryptic tweets. Over the past year, he has articulated clear criteria for where his sons—and by extension, Hunter—should and should not play. These unwritten “rules” have been repeated across interviews and podcasts:

1. No cold-weather cities, especially for outdoor teams.

2. No teams with poor track records in developing young quarterbacks.

3. No franchises that consistently fail to compete.

By these standards, a significant portion of the NFL is effectively disqualified. Teams like the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears fall outside Sanders’ preferred list. Conversely, teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins—warmer climates with substantial media markets—seem to align more closely with Sanders’ vision.

Deion Sanders received credible threats before last year's Rocky Mountain Showdown

The specificity of these rules, while seemingly restrictive, underscores Sanders’ commitment to placing his sons in environments conducive to success. For Shedeur Sanders, a developing quarterback, the prospect of landing with a franchise known for mismanaging young talent is understandably unappealing.

Influence in the NIL Era

Sanders’ approach reflects broader shifts within college and professional football. The advent of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals has redefined player agency, granting top athletes unprecedented leverage over their careers. The ability to monetize one’s brand in college diminishes the financial urgency of entering the draft under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Moreover, the Sanders family’s unique positioning—bolstered by Deion’s NFL legacy and Shedeur’s rising star power—makes them a microcosm of this evolving landscape. Players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter represent the new generation of athlete-entrepreneurs, guided not only by coaches but also by business-savvy mentors.

Former NFL players like Archie Manning and John Elway once wielded similar influence, leveraging their reputations to secure favorable draft outcomes. Sanders’ actions, while scrutinized, follow this lineage. The key difference lies in the transparency with which Sanders operates—often to his detriment.

The NFL’s Perspective

From the NFL’s vantage point, Sanders’ involvement presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the allure of drafting Shedeur or Travis Hunter—two highly marketable players—could drive fan engagement and jersey sales. On the other hand, franchises wary of outside influence may shy away, unwilling to contend with external pressure.

The debate over player agency and organizational control is nothing new. The NFL thrives on parity, and the draft system’s unpredictability is a cornerstone of that balance. If players begin routinely dictating their destinations, the league’s competitive structure may shift, favoring franchises capable of attracting top-tier talent through external relationships rather than draft position alone.

Top three of 2025 NFL Draft set — Where does Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders fit?

The Uncertain Path Forward

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight on Deion Sanders and his sons will only intensify. If Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are selected within the top four picks, as Sanders has predicted, questions about the extent of his influence will persist. Conversely, if either player slides to a less desirable destination, the narrative may shift, focusing instead on the limitations of even a figure as powerful as Sanders within the NFL’s rigid framework.

Ultimately, Sanders’ involvement in his sons’ careers reflects broader cultural shifts toward player empowerment and familial influence. Whether this trend reshapes the NFL Draft permanently remains to be seen. For now, Deion Sanders remains a singular force—a father, coach, and icon navigating the complex intersection of family and football.