Boomer Esiason Claims NFL Teams Avoided Shedeur Sanders Due to Attitude Issues

Boomer Esiason Claims NFL Teams Avoided Shedeur Sanders Due to Attitude Issues

Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason recently expressed strong opinions regarding Shedeur Sanders, who experienced a surprising decline in the 2025 NFL Draft. Esiason asserted that numerous teams removed the former Colorado quarterback from their draft boards, citing concerns over his perceived entitlement.

Sanders was ultimately selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, coming in at 144th overall. This unexpected drop followed a weekend that had many experts predicting he would be chosen in the first round, alongside his teammate Travis Hunter. Hunter was picked second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

To add to the drama, Sanders was not only drafted much later than anticipated, he also became the Browns’ second choice at quarterback. Cleveland had previously selected Dillon Gabriel from Oregon in the third round, which further complicated Sanders’ situation.

Esiason revealed that he felt no surprise at Sanders’ drop in the draft order. He reported that various NFL personnel informed him that owners had explicitly instructed teams to exclude Sanders from their considerations.

On a recent episode of the “Boomer and Gio” show, Esiason stated, “Shedeur Sanders just torpedoed himself. His off-field demeanor—especially during meetings at the combine—did him no favors. His father also played a role in the perception surrounding him.”

According to Esiason, many coaches and general managers found Sanders’ self-assured demeanor off-putting. He further articulated the sentiments shared by NFL insiders, saying, “I know this from discussions with three different personnel evaluators this weekend. They had to take him off their boards at the owner’s directive. The message was clear: ‘We don’t want that kind of person on our team.'”

As the draft approached, Sanders found himself facing a wave of criticism. One former NFL assistant coach described one of Sanders’ interviews as the worst he had ever encountered. He characterized Sanders as excessively entitled, stating that he often took unnecessary sacks, failed to make timely plays, displayed poor body language, and shifted blame onto his teammates.

This assistant coach’s opinion was stark: “The biggest issue is that he’s simply not good enough to justify the attitude he displays.”

Initially, Sanders was considered a first-round prospect, with potential landing spots including the New York Giants at the third overall pick and the New Orleans Saints at ninth. However, as both teams opted for different players, attention turned to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 21st overall pick. Yet surprisingly, Sanders remained unselected as the draft progressed.

Esiason appeared to align with the sentiments shared by his sources, agreeing that the decisions made by NFL teams were understandable. He noted, “When you hear how he spoke about himself and witnessed his behavior on the field—such as shoving a referee in the back and his attempts to create a personal draft room—you realize this serves as a critical wake-up call for many young athletes.”

The Impact of Attitude on Player Perception

The discussion surrounding Shedeur Sanders sheds light on a broader issue within professional sports. Attitude can significantly influence a player’s draft stock and overall career trajectory. NFL teams prioritize not only a player’s physical abilities but also their mentality and how they fit within a team culture.

Players are often evaluated during interviews and combines, where their character and work ethic come under scrutiny. Esiason’s comments highlight the vital role these assessments play in shaping team decisions. A player’s attitude can turn a promising future into a significant risk in the eyes of team owners and executives.

Lessons for Aspiring Athletes

For young athletes, the message from this incident is clear. In today’s competitive environment, talent alone is not enough to guarantee success. Developing a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to connect with coaches and teammates are crucial. The fallout from the 2025 NFL Draft serves as a reminder that players must remain humble and open to feedback, regardless of their achievements.

Ultimately, how players conduct themselves will influence their trajectory in the league. As demonstrated by Shedeur Sanders, a negative perception can lead to missed opportunities, regardless of talent. Moving forward, athletes should strive to showcase not only their skills but also their character to stand out in the draft and beyond.

A Turning Point

While Shedeur Sanders may have faced setbacks during the draft, this experience may also serve as an important turning point. Many young athletes will undoubtedly take note of the consequences of attitude and professionalism, shaping their paths in their respective sports.

In a landscape where every decision can have lasting repercussions, the story of Sanders could very well resonate well beyond the confines of the 2025 NFL Draft. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of not only being talented but also being a good teammate and a player who embodies the spirit of collaboration.