Off Script: The Shedeur Slide, Jesus, & Taking the Seat at the End of the Table

This week, I am posting a series of articles that are off-script for this Substack, but these topics are still on my mind.
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The story of Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 NFL Draft is one of high expectations, surprising disappointment, and hard lessons about humility — both for Shedeur and for those who watched his journey unfold.

Now a word about humility: Folks need to remember something we often forget: No matter how much God talk and God hash tags you drop, humility is part of what it means to be Christian, which Shedeur, Deion, and I all claim to be. And while humility is never someone’s to teach another person, it is every believer’s responsibility to inhabit — regardless of who you are.

A Night Built for Glory

Shedeur Sanders entered the draft with the kind of confidence and anticipation you’d expect from the son of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders. Instead of traveling to Green Bay for the live event, Shedeur stayed home in Texas and unveiled a draft night setup that was nothing short of extraordinary. He built a custom draft room at his family’s ranch in Canton, Texas, complete with his “Legendary” branding on everything from the walls to the furniture. There were hats from every NFL team, professional lighting for photos and live-streaming, and a vibe that said this was going to be a night to remember.

The room was designed for celebration — an expectation that Shedeur would be a first-round pick, maybe even the first quarterback off the board. The branding and the spectacle reflected the belief that he was about to step into the league as a star, a belief shared by his father and many fans.

The Slide

But as the picks rolled in, Shedeur’s name wasn’t called. Not in the first round. Not in the second. Not even in the third or fourth. NFL front offices saw things differently than the Sanders family and much of the media. Scouts and executives had concerns about Shedeur’s game — his arm strength and mobility were seen as average, and some felt his college production was boosted by playing in his father’s system. There was also a perception that Shedeur, perhaps influenced by Deion’s larger-than-life persona, came off as entitled or arrogant in interviews.

The “Legendary” room, meant to be the backdrop for a triumphant moment, became a symbol of how far expectations and reality can diverge. As Jesus taught, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). On a night built to celebrate his rise, Shedeur was instead given a lesson in the kind of humility Jesus modeled and taught — an unexpected seat at the end of the table.

The Influence of Deion and Public Perception

Much of the pre-draft narrative was shaped by Deion Sanders’ influence. Deion’s public comments-including his statement on national television that they would “control which teams” Shedeur would play for, apparently didn’t sit well with some NFL decision-makers. Teams worried that Shedeur might prioritize his father’s advice over his coaches, or that Deion might publicly criticize the organization if things didn’t go their way. The close family bond, while admirable, raised questions about Shedeur’s ability to adapt to a new environment and take direction from people outside his father’s circle. After all, in his entire life, Shedeur has only had one coach. ONE!

Skipping the Combine and Senior Bowl

Shedeur also made the unconventional, but not unheard of, choice to skip both the NFL Combine and the Senior Bowl, opting instead to showcase his skills at his Pro Day in a more controlled, branded environment. While this fit the Sanders’ strategy of controlling the narrative and maximizing brand value, it also meant Shedeur missed the chance to compete head-to-head with other top prospects and answer questions face-to-face with NFL coaches and executives. For many teams, this was a missed opportunity to see how he handled pressure and adversity outside his comfort zone.

Responding with Grace

Despite the disappointment, Shedeur handled his draft slide with notable maturity. When a cruel prank call interrupted his live-streamed draft party, he responded calmly, refusing to let negativity define his night. He didn’t lash out or blame others, but instead expressed faith and gratitude when he finally received the call from the Cleveland Browns. His response showed a level of composure, grace, and resilience —qualities that, if nurtured, could serve him well in the NFL.

Lessons in Humility

There’s a powerful parallel here with the teachings of Jesus on humility. Jesus consistently modeled and taught that true greatness comes from serving others, taking the lower seat, and trusting God’s timing and purposes. The spectacle of the “Legendary” draft room, the branding, and the expectations set by Shedeur and his father were all about being seen as great. But the draft reminded everyone —Shedeur included — that in life, as in faith, those who exalt themselves may be humbled, and those who humble themselves may one day be lifted up.

Moving Forward

Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the NFL didn’t go as planned, but it’s far from over. I hope, and think, he will do well.

He has always been a hard worker. He has never been in trouble. And his response to adversity has shown maturity. Now, the challenge is to embrace the humility that comes from disappointment and let it fuel his development as a player and a person. If he can do that, he may yet write a “legendary” story — one built not just on talent and branding, but on the deeper character that comes from learning to take the lower seat at the table, just as Jesus taught.