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On this specific pre-game, the most discussed throw wasn’t directed at home plate. Instead, a swirl was thrown through the air with the sort of accuracy that could make even an NFL quarterback raise an eyebrow… or maybe wince a bit. It was from Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates ace, who used a football to highlight his arm strength. He had no idea that this casual toss would become a humorous twist tied to Deion Sanders’s son, Shedeur Sanders, and his experience in the NFL draft.

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It was not only Skenes’ on-field supremacy that drew notice, although Paul Skenes showed some great pitching against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Striking out nine batters, including the one and only Shohei Ohtani. But wait, there’s more.

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On the same weekend, Shedeur Sanders, once hailed as a top-five NFL Draft pick, was picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.

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Paul Skenes, known for his blasting pitching, displayed his football-throwing abilities during pregame warm-ups. It caught the attention. And announcers couldn’t resist making an instant connection, “Not too shabby with throwing a football, maybe he’ll get drafted before Shedeur Sanders in the NFL.” Lighthearted as it was, the joke highlighted the unanticipated turn of events in Sanders’ draft path. Though it was humorous, the jest highlighted the surprising turn of events in Sanders’ draft path.

As usual, the internet went crazy over the announcer’s audacious comment. Reactions ranging from laughter to total savage takes flooded the comment section.

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But why all this dig? When you’re the son of the famous “Prime Time” Deion Sanders, expectations will be there. The same thing happened with Shedeur Sanders. He’s a quarterback who was formerly considered a possible top-five choice in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders suffered a draft-day tumble that shocked many. He had to wait until the fifth round, being chosen by the Browns. Rather than hearing his name called in the desired first or even second round.

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When Paul Skenes threw the football in pre-game, the commentators found it funny and didn’t hesitate to mention it. What were the reactions after that? Oh, they echoed the words of commentators.

Fan reactions to the Paul Skenes comparison: The internet agrees

As usual, the internet went crazy over what the announcer said. Reactions, ranging from laughter to savage takes, flooded social media.

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A playful jab, “I’d draft him over Shedeur,” reflected that Sanders’ draft performance was less remarkable than Skenes’ demonstration of adaptability. Although overstated, such remarks highlight the intense scrutiny and high expectations that top prospects endure.

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Not only MLB but NFL fans, too, did not lack behind when it comes to sarcasm, “Do NOT let the browns see this.”  Implying that Skenes’ football skills might attract the club to view him as a quarterback. The joke emphasises the surprising elements that sports drafts can bring and their unpredictable nature.

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Aligning with the announcers, one fan commented, “I mean…. He ain’t wrong,” referring to the fact that Sanders, despite great hopes, was chosen later than expected. Such responses draw attention to the thin line in sports commentary separating fun from criticism. Fans are witty!

The hometown connection. An interesting take, “Better than any QB on the Steelers roster,” implying the Pirates’ pitcher could beat the football quarterbacks of the city. Although tongue-in-cheek, the remark captures local pride and the crossover attraction of exceptional sportsmen.

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Sanders getting drafted in the 5th round was not on anybody’s mind. Echoing with the announcer’s joke, “Bro is about to be drafted before Sanders,” stressing the shock over Sanders’ draft status. This is evident that many Sanders fans were surprised and saddened by his draft fall.

The fact that Paul Skenes’ athletic performance and Shedeur Sanders’ draft trip coincided shows how unpredictable sports can be. While Skenes stunned everyone on the baseball field, Sanders had to deal with some unexpected problems in the NFL. This cross-sport narrative shows that often the most unlikely juxtapositions may lead to the most memorable moments.

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Written by

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Vishnupriya Agrawal

1,271 Articles

Vishnupriya Agrawal is a beat reporter at EssentiallySports on the Golf Desk, specializing in breaking news around tour developments, player movement, ranking shifts, and evolving competitive narratives across the PGA and LPGA circuits. She excels at analyzing the ripple effects of major moments, such as headline-grabbing wins or schedule changes, highlighting their impact on player momentum, course strategy, and long-term career trajectories. With a foundation in research-driven writing and a passion for storytelling, Vishnupriya has built a track record of delivering timely and insightful golf coverage. She has also contributed as a freelance sports writer, creating audience-focused content that connects fans to the finer details of the game. Her sharp research abilities and disciplined publishing workflow enable her to craft stories that go beyond the leaderboard, bringing context and clarity to the fast-moving world of professional golf.

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Edited by

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Ahana Chatterjee

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