I couldn’t care less about who the next big thing in the NFL draft is, or what some scout sees in their crystal ball. Predicting future stars? Yeah, it’s like trying to pick the ripest avocado at the grocery store—looks great on the outside, but inside? Meh, who knows. Especially when we’re talking quarterbacks. That role? It’s not just about skill; it’s like one of those magic shows where half the trick is done behind the scenes—leadership, swag (do people still say that?), and just keeping it cool.
Now, Shedeur Sanders, the QB from Colorado? Let’s just say he’s not short on self-esteem. At the NFL Scouting Combine, a place that’s basically the Hogwarts sorting ceremony for football players—only with more grunting and less magic stalls—he drops this gem: “Why take a chance on me? ‘Cause I’m as close to a sure thing as you’re gonna get.” Love it or hate it, my word, you’ve gotta admit the guy knows his brand.
Some folks there weren’t fans—rumors said he came off as full of himself. But hey, you’ve ever sat through these prospect interviews? If I had a penny for every time a player cruised through those with canned answers, I could probably buy a small island. Most of them have this vibe like they’re reading from a script. Sanders? He’s got that unscripted quality—whatever that means.
See, Shedeur has this whole backstory, right? Grew up with a family that’s about as low-key as a fireworks display. Ever seen the docuseries Coach Prime? Yeah, not like I’m watching TV at 2 AM or anything, but if you had, you’d know what I mean. Expectations? Sky high from the get-go. There’s something about him that just doesn’t fit the mold—and maybe that’s the whole point. Even some NFL execs admit he’s a thinker, a bit like that kid in your class who’d argue with the teacher just for fun. He listens but will call you out when he wants. Sounds refreshing, no?
Through all this, people have placed Shedeur in a box—he’s this, he’s that, because of who his dad is or whatever. But the ones who know him? They’ve got a whole different story to tell. Pat Shurmur, a guy who seems to know a thing or two, says Sanders is more heart than hype. Paints him as sort of shy, which I didn’t see coming. But having grown up under the spotlight? Maybe that’s just armor.
Then there’s Mike Tomlin, who apparently had what I’d call a meeting of the minds with Sanders—it lasted five hours. What is that, a therapy session? Apparently, Tomlin digs Shedeur, possibly because of those “NFL bloodlines.” Some folks call it nepotism, but hey, knowing the ropes doesn’t hurt.
When the lights are off, I hear Shedeur’s like a totally different cat. Garry Harrell, another coach throwing his two cents in, says it’s like night and day when it comes to Shedeur away from the cameras. You know that switch some people flip when they perform? Makes me think of this chameleon my buddy had once.
To sum it up? If Shedeur ends up with the Steelers (and don’t quote me, but I’d bet a bucket of wings on it), Tomlin will be all over his personality and presence. You bet he sees it as a bonus, not baggage.
Oh, and by the way, Kalyn Kahler’s got a solid take on Sanders too—if you ever wanna dive deeper into the human whirlwind that is Shedeur. It’s like trying to watch a parade from a balcony—great view, maybe some candy gets thrown up your way, but to really get it, you gotta be on the street, right in the mix.
