Source: Getty Images by Garrett Podell
The 2025 NFL Draft has once again spotlighted the systemic challenges Black quarterbacks face in professional football. Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a top-five pick, experienced a dramatic slide to the fifth round, raising questions about the NFL’s evaluation processes and potential underlying biases. Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, entered the draft with impressive credentials. His collegiate career boasts over 14,000 passing yards and 134 touchdowns, with a completion rate exceeding 70%. Despite these statistics, Sanders was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns, a significant drop from initial projections.
Analysts have cited concerns about his pocket presence, noting a high sack rate and a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. Furthermore, his decision to skip the NFL Combine and East-West Shrine Game may have limited teams’ evaluations. However, these factors alone may not fully explain his draft position.
Some teams reportedly viewed Shedeur’s association with his outspoken father as a potential distraction. Deion Sanders’ public comments about team cultures and his protective stance over his son’s career may have raised red flags for certain franchises. This perception, combined with Shedeur’s own confidence and media presence, may have contributed to the teams’ hesitancy.
Source: Shedeur Sanders/Instagram
Shedeur Sanders’ draft experience is not isolated. Historically, Black quarterbacks have faced skepticism regarding their leadership abilities, intelligence, and adaptability. Despite progress, these biases persist, affecting draft evaluations and career trajectories. The NFL’s continued struggle to equitably assess Black quarterbacks underscores a need for introspection and systemic change.
While the 2025 NFL Draft saw several Black athletes achieve their professional dreams, including Abdul Carter (LB, Penn State) selected third overall by the New York Giants, Armand Membou (OT, Missouri) taken seventh overall by the New York Jets, and Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan) picked 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins, the draft also highlighted ongoing disparities. Additionally, once again, no players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were drafted, continuing a troubling trend that questions the inclusivity and equity of the NFL’s talent assessment mechanisms.
Oluwadamilola is a multi-passionate Creative Brand Strategist, Social Media Expert, and certified Medical Aesthetician. With a strong background in digital storytelling and global brand growth, she blends creativity with strategy to amplify community-driven narratives. Beyond the newsroom, she is building a personal brand at the intersection of skincare, technology, and remote work; empowering undergraduates and young professionals to build digital skills and explore future-forward careers. Deeply curious and always evolving, she thrives on learning, innovation, and creating impact through intentional content. Check out www.tuyifedami.com for more
