In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, few prospects have been scrutinized, celebrated, and debated as intensely as Shedeur Sanders. Both for his electrifying skillset and his unshakable persona. This Thursday afternoon, the Colorado star—fresh off shattering school records with 7,364 passing yards and 64 TDs in two seasons—sat out with Kay Adams on her show, Up & Adams. His tone isn’t defiant; it’s bored like he’s swatting away a fly mid-scripted play.

When the host asked him, “People are insane about you. The words like brash or arrogant come up, how do you feel when you hear those words?” His reply, just 3 words: “I don’t care.” He shrugged, flashing a grin that was equal parts charm and try me. Critics call him brash? Arrogant? “Arrogance is just misunderstood,“ he fired back. Translation: If confidence were a crime, Shedeur’s serving a life sentence.

Let’s get this straight: Shedeur Sanders isn’t just a quarterback. He’s a human highlight reel with a 3.9 GPA, a Tom Brady-mentored brain, and a highlight reel that plays like a Friday Night Lights montage—if Coach Taylor had a diamond-encrusted whistle. Remember his debut at Colorado?

Dropping 510 yards and 4 TDs on No. 17 TCU like it was a Tuesday scrimmage? Or that time he dragged the Buffs back from the brink against Colorado State in double OT, then hit the “watch celebration” so cold it broke TikTok? “That’s just Shedeur,” Deion Sanders laughs later. “He doesn’t blink.”

But here’s the kicker: the kid who rewrote Colorado’s record books in 24 games (4,134 yards, 37 TDs in 2024 alone) has spent his career dodging doubters like edge rushers. NFL scouts nitpick his “pocket patience”? “I don’t care.” Trolls say he’s riding Daddy Prime’s coattails? “I don’t care.” “He’s a Sanders,” Deion smirks, channeling The Wire’s Omar Little: ‘You come at the king, you best not miss.’ And Shedeur? He’s too busy prepping for the draft—or maybe designing his next NIL collab with Nike—to notice the noise.

Jerseygate: Prime Time Sanders vs. the Purists

Meanwhile, in Boulder, chaos reigns. Colorado’s decision to retire Shedeur’s No. 2 and Travis Hunter’s No. 12—after just two seasons—has alumni squawking like angry geese. Former Buffs RB Phillip Lindsay called it “disrespectful.” Analyst Joel Klatt muttered about ‘tradition.‘ But Deion? Coach Prime’s got a message for the haters: “The only reason we’re having this discussion is because his last name is Sanders.” Let’s break it down.

Shedeur didn’t just play at Colorado—he resurrected it. Before he arrived, the Buffs were a dusty relic, havingn’t sniffed a bowl game since 2016. Two years later? 9-4, a Heisman for Hunter (1,258 receiving yards, 15 TDs plus 7 INTs on defense), and a campus buzzing like Coors Field on opening day.

“It’s been so many things accomplished at this university expeditiously. It’s been unbelievable. And I think we should be appreciative. It’s a new day, we’re doing things a little differently,” Deion said, arms crossed. “We’re doing things different… Be thankful for our people.” Translation: This ain’t your daddy’s college football.

But let’s keep it a buck—Shedeur’s jersey retirement isn’t just about stats. It’s poetry. It’s Deion, the Pro Football Hall of Famer, building a legacy that’s part family, part revolution. When Hunter high-points a fade like Randy Moss and locks down WRs like Revis in the same game, or Shedeur threads a needle to a streaking receiver while side-eyeing a free safety, it’s art. And art doesn’t apologize. “These guys think about the draft. They don’t care. And neither do I, “Deion said, waving off the drama.

What binds Shedeur’s shrug and Deion’s defiance? The Buffs’ new DNA—a cocktail of audacity and authenticity, indeed. This is the program that turned “Come Live in the Moments” from a slogan into a lifestyle, where pregame tailgates thump with DJ sets and postgame pressers double as TED Talks. When Shedeur says “I don’t care,” he’s not dismissing respect—he’s demanding it. Loudly. Without apology.

So, as Shedeur preps for draft night (top-10 pick, no doubt) and Deion reshuffles his roster, remember: In Boulder, they’re not just playing football. They’re rewriting the script. And if you’re still stuck on “tradition”? Well, as Ted Lasso once said: “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”

Game respect game. And in Colorado? The Sanderses always play to win.