The 2025 NFL Draft was filled with excitement and anticipation as the top college football players waited to hear their names called and begin their professional careers. But amidst the cheers and celebrations, one unexpected incident involving Shedeur Sanders has left its mark on the draft and the league as a whole.
As the son of legendary NFL player Deion Sanders, Shedeur was no stranger to the spotlight. He had been a standout quarterback at Jackson State University and was highly touted as one of the top prospects in the draft. All eyes were on him as he sat in the green room, waiting for his dream to become a reality.
But then, something unexpected happened. Shedeur received a call from what he thought was New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis, telling him that he would have to “wait a little longer” before his name was called. Confused and disappointed, Shedeur hung up the phone and continued to wait nervously.
It was later revealed that the call was not from Loomis, but from the son of Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. In a cruel prank, Ulbrich’s son had pretended to be Loomis and told Shedeur that the Saints had decided to pass on him. The video of Shedeur’s reaction went viral, and the young quarterback became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
While the prank may have seemed harmless to some, it had a significant impact on Shedeur. In an interview after the draft, he admitted that the incident had shaken him and caused him to question his worth as a player. He also expressed disappointment that someone would use such a cruel tactic to gain attention.
But amidst the negativity surrounding the prank, there is a silver lining. Shedeur’s resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed. Despite the setback, he was eventually drafted by the Houston Texans, and the team’s owner, Cal McNair, had nothing but praise for him.
“Shedeur has shown incredible strength and character in the face of adversity. We are proud to have him on our team and believe that he will be a valuable addition to our quarterback room,” said McNair.
And he couldn’t be more right. Shedeur’s talent and potential are undeniable, and he has already shown that he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL. His performance on the field during rookie minicamp has impressed coaches and teammates alike, and he is determined to prove all his doubters wrong.
But Shedeur’s impact goes beyond the football field. His response to the prank has sparked a conversation about the need for kindness and empathy in the sports world. Many have called out Ulbrich’s son for his actions and have urged for more accountability when it comes to online behavior.
In a powerful statement, Shedeur said, “I hope that my experience can serve as a reminder to always treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of the platform or situation.”
The NFL has also taken notice of the incident and has announced plans to implement stricter policies regarding social media use by players and their families. Shedeur’s ability to turn a negative situation into a positive one has brought about much-needed change in the league.
As Shedeur begins his journey in the NFL, he is determined to make a name for himself on his own merit. He knows that he will face challenges and setbacks, but he is ready to overcome them with hard work and perseverance.
The 2025 NFL Draft will always be remembered for Shedeur Sanders and the unexpected prank that changed the course of his professional career. But it will also be remembered as the draft that brought about positive change in the league and sparked important conversations about kindness and empathy.
Shedeur Sanders may have been pranked, but he has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. And with his talent and character, he is sure to make a significant impact in the NFL for years to come.
