Fans are buzzing with concern after Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, announced he would not be participating in the Shrine Bowl. With expectations mounting for him to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, many are questioning the implications of his decision.
This week, hundreds of NFL draft prospects have been showcasing their skills at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas and the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. While many players are eager to impress scouts and coaches, the spotlight has turned toward Sanders, who is considered a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. However, the excitement was tempered when it was revealed that Sanders would not take the field for Thursday night’s game at AT&T Stadium.
Sanders did make an appearance at the Shrine Bowl but opted out of practice throughout the week, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The 22-year-old quarterback’s absence from practice and the game has ignited a flurry of speculation regarding his future and draft stock.
FANS’ REACTIONS TO SANDERS’ DECISION
The decision not to participate has left many fans feeling uneasy. Comments on social media reflect a mix of confusion and disappointment. One fan expressed, “I wonder why he’s not participating?” while another criticized his choice, stating, “That’s a poor attitude by Sanders.” Questions about whether this could hurt his draft stock have also surfaced, with one fan asking, “Does this hurt his draft stock?”
Despite the chatter, Eric Galko, the Shrine Bowl’s director of football operations and player personnel, has downplayed the concerns. He stated, “We don’t pressure guys to play if they don’t feel comfortable, if they don’t feel healthy, or for whatever reason it may be.” Galko emphasized that while practice is beneficial, the well-being of the players is paramount.
RUMORS AND SPECULATIONS
Numerous rumors have circulated regarding Sanders’ absence. Some reports suggest that teams with the first three picks in the NFL Draft—namely the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants—requested that he refrain from practicing. However, Galko has refuted this theory, clarifying that he was informed about a week before the Shrine Bowl practices began that Sanders was considering not participating.
“There was no deal made,” Galko told reporters. “It would have been great if he practiced, for sure. But him not practicing does not mean that it was all preordained. That was a new development and we still support Shedeur. I think I understand why he made his decision, and we’re still happy he’s here.”
SANDERS’ FUTURE PLANS
As the draft approaches, Sanders has not ruled out the possibility of throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next month. However, he has yet to confirm his participation, leaving fans eagerly awaiting updates. Additionally, Colorado has not announced a date for its pro day, which is expected to take place in March.
The uncertainty surrounding Sanders’ decision has sparked discussions about his potential draft position. He is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, alongside Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward. However, reports indicate that Ward may be trending toward being the first signal-caller selected, adding another layer of intrigue to the draft landscape.
THE IMPACT ON DRAFT STOCK
The implications of Sanders’ decision could be significant. While some believe that opting out of the Shrine Bowl could negatively affect his visibility to scouts, others argue that his established talent and performance during the season should speak for itself. After all, Sanders has consistently demonstrated his skills on the field, leading the Buffaloes to impressive victories and showcasing his potential as a franchise quarterback.
Ultimately, as the draft approaches, the focus will remain on Sanders and how his decisions will influence his future in the NFL. Will his absence from the Shrine Bowl impact his draft stock? Only time will tell.
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, every decision counts, and for Shedeur Sanders, the stakes have never been higher. With the draft just around the corner, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this talented quarterback navigates the challenges ahead. The excitement is palpable, and the anticipation for the 2025 NFL Draft continues to build.
