Why Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft Slide is Bigger Than Football: A Deep Dive from Out of Pocket with RG3

On a special emergency episode of Out of Pocket with RG3, Robert Griffin III and Grete Griffin tackled the shock and confusion around Shedeur Sanders slipping out of the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Once projected as a potential top-three pick, Sanders has been left waiting, and according to RG3, it has nothing to do with his talent—and everything to do with personal biases inside NFL circles.

Here’s the full breakdown of why Shedeur situation is deeper than football:


The Reality: Shedeur Sanders’ Talent Speaks for Itself

RG3 pulls no punches: Shedeur Sanders’ tape proves he should have been a first-round pick.
He threw for over 4,000 yards, carried Colorado through a major turnaround, posted a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and showcased toughness after being sacked 152 times. His leadership, poise, and football IQ were on full display week after week.

So why the fall?

RG3 believes it’s personal. Shedeur confidence—praised in other quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, and Cam Newton—is somehow viewed as a negative. NFL insiders appear to be punishing Shedeur, not for what he’s done, but for who he is: confident, self-assured, and yes, the son of the larger-than-life Deion Sanders.


The Double Standard

Robert highlights a troubling pattern:

  • Joe Burrow smoked cigars, exuded bravado — drafted No. 1.
  • Baker Mayfield planted flags, made bold claims — drafted No. 1.
  • Cam Newton dazzled with swagger — drafted No. 1.
  • Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, and even Mac Jones showed heavy confidence — all first-rounders.

But Shedeur Sanders?
He’s treated differently.
The NFL is sending a message: “Confidence is only acceptable when it comes from the right people.”


Personal Bias Over Performance

Grete Griffin points out another painful truth:
Shedeur isn’t being judged by his stats or gameplay — he’s being judged because he shows up as his authentic self.

  • Why is it celebrated when a Black quarterback comes in humble and plain?
  • Why is it criticized when a Black quarterback shows flash, swag, and self-belief?

Wearing chains, dressing sharp, being confident — none of it should disqualify Shedeur from the success he’s earned.
Grete reminds listeners that telling kids to “be yourself” rings hollow if being yourself makes others uncomfortable.


The Dion Sanders Factor

Another layer:
NFL teams might be intimidated by Deion Sanders’ presence and influence — despite Deion simply being a loving, supportive father. RG3 and Grete stress that good parenting shouldn’t be a red flag.

We celebrate white fatherhood when Archie Manning guided Eli and Peyton’s careers,
but Deion Sanders advocating for his son becomes a “problem.”

The hypocrisy is glaring.


Shedeur Future Remains Bright

Despite the disrespect, Robert and Grete believe Shedeur will have a successful NFL career.
He has:

  • The talent
  • The leadership
  • The marketability
  • And the mental toughness to overcome this setback.

RG3 passionately concludes: “Always be yourself. Always be confident. You are enough for God, and that should be enough for man.”


Final Thought: A Message to the Next Generation

This draft isn’t just about Shedeur Sanders.
It’s about what message is being sent to young athletes watching:

  • Be confident.
  • Be authentic.
  • And never let anyone dim your light because they’re uncomfortable with your shine.