The Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders faced a challenging 4-8 outcome in his debut season, despite a promising start with three consecutive wins. However, with star players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter back in action, hopes are high for a resurgence.
The NFL Scouting Combine is over and the NFL Draft is fast approaching. Attention shifts to top prospects, particularly quarterbacks, who are anticipated to commandeer the early selections. Sanders suggests prioritizing fit over hype, drawing parallel to the infamous Eli Manning draft drama.
Deion Sanders talks on Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter’s future in NFL
Deion Sanders expressed confidence that both Shedeur Shedeur and Travis Hunter are destined for success in the NFL, predicting they will be among the top picks in the upcoming draft. However, he hinted at the possibility of his players refusing to play for certain teams, and drew comparisons to Eli Manning’s draft day maneuver.
“All this is subjective because I know where I kind of want them to go,” Sanders said. “And let’s not forget Shilo (Sanders). But I know where I want them to go. There’s certain cities where it ain’t going to happen. …It’s going to be an Eli [Manning]”, Sanders said during an appearance on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast via Bleacher Report.
The coach’s reservations stem from a desire to see his players thrive in favorable environments, particularly avoiding cold climates.
“Like, I don’t want my kid going nowhere cold next year. He grew up in Texas. He played in Jackson, played in Colorado. Season’s over before it gets cold in Colorado. I’m just thinking way ahead. I don’t want that for him.”
Sanders’ protective stance reflects both a coach’s concern for his players’ well-being and a father’s desire to see his son succeed on and off the field. He earlier even urged former USC Trojans star Caleb Williams to avoid the Chicago Bears for cold weather.
Shedeur recorded 3,230 passing yards and 27 touchdowns for just three interceptions last season. Hunter scored 23 tackles for three interceptions as a cornerback while also recording 721 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a wide receiver.
What did Eli Manning do in the 2004 NFL draft?
The 2004 edition stands out as a defining moment for Eli Manning. The then-San Diego Chargers, now known as the Los Angeles Chargers, made headlines by selecting Manning as the first overall pick. However, what followed was a twist that would alter the course of Manning’s career.
Manning had made it clear to the organization that he had no intention of playing for them. Nevertheless, he was presented with a Chargers jersey for a photo op before swiftly being traded to the New York Giants. In exchange, the Chargers received Phillip Rivers and additional picks.
Manning remained tight-lipped about his reluctance to join the Chargers throughout his career. When pressed for an explanation, his response was often elusive, once humorously stating, “I forgot.” It wasn’t until a 2021 interview on the “10 Questions with Kyle Brandt” podcast that the veteran finally shed light on his decision.
According to Manning, he had reservations about the Chargers organization and felt it wasn’t the right fit for him. His agent, Tom Condon, likely played a role in Manning’s decision-making process. The Chargers’ turbulent history with young quarterbacks, exemplified by Drew Brees’ early struggles and the Ryan Leaf debacle, also fueled Manning’s apprehension.
