Deion Sanders Jr. responded to comments made by former LSU and Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly after a CBS Sports appearance where Kelly evaluated NFL Draft quarterbacks, including Garrett Nussmeier and a comparison involving Shedeur Sanders. The discussion quickly gained attention online after Kelly’s wording sparked debate among viewers about what was meant in the evaluation.
Brian Kelly Shedeur Sanders Comment
Kelly said:
“Obviously, the injuries really set him back this year. At the quarterback position, you’re going to get hit. It’s just the nature (of the position). He’s not going to be Shedeur Sanders. He’s not going to run away from contact.”
Reading the comments on paper led to different interpretations across social media platforms.
Viewers shared the segment, with discussion centered on whether the comparison between quarterbacks was meant as criticism or a simple contrast in playing style.
Deion Sanders Jr Reaction
Deion Sanders Jr. responded to the clip and addressed Kelly’s comments directly. “I honestly thinks he’s talking about mobility,” commented Deion Sanders Jr.
Shedeur Sanders played at Colorado and dealt with heavy pressure throughout his college career. He was sacked 52 times as a junior and 42 times as a senior, while also suffering a back injury during that stretch. Despite that, he continued to operate in the pocket and extend plays.
Garrett Nussmeier, who was the subject of Kelly’s comments, was sacked 15 times in nine games during the 2025 season and did not finish the year due to injury issues.
Shedeur Sanders’ playing style included pocket movement and off-schedule throws, which contributed to extending plays when protection broke down. Nussmeier’s style leaned more toward a traditional pocket approach, relying on timing and protection to deliver passes.
Sanders’ back injury affected his availability during his college season, limiting continuity at different points. His time at Colorado still featured high passing volume despite consistent pressure behind the offensive line.
The contrast in sack numbers was frequently highlighted in discussions about quarterback protection, with Sanders facing heavier pressure overall compared to Nussmeier’s shortened 2025 season sample.
Sanders Jr.’s interpretation remained focused on mobility context, aligning with how some analysts describe quarterbacks who extend plays outside the pocket in draft evaluations.
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