Nobody Wants Shedeur Sanders? Mark Hodge Murphy Fires Back After President’s Scathing Attack

The 2025 NFL Draft has become a cultural battleground, with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ shocking slide past the first three rounds igniting a firestorm of controversy. As the son of NFL icon Deion Sanders, Shedeur was expected to be a top pick, yet 102 players have been selected, and he remains undrafted. Now, Green Bay Packers president Mark Hodge Murphy has stepped into the fray, issuing a bold challenge to the league after facing blistering criticism from the U.S. President, who labeled NFL owners “stupid” for passing on Sanders. This saga, blending sports, politics, and race, is dominating headlines and social media, with fans and critics clashing over whether Sanders is a victim of bias or a prospect overhyped by his famous name.

Shedeur’s Stunning Draft Fall

Shedeur Sanders entered the draft with a resume that screamed potential: 3,230 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and a 77% completion rate in 2024 at Colorado, despite a porous offensive line. Analysts projected him as a first- or second-round pick, with some mock drafts slotting him as high as No. 21 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, as quarterbacks like Cam Ward (No. 1, Titans), Jaxson Dart (No. 25, Giants), and even Tyler Shough were selected, Sanders’ name went uncalled, marking one of the most dramatic draft slides in NFL history.

Theories abound on X and beyond. Some point to Sanders’ perceived “arrogance” and “unprofessional” demeanor in combine meetings, with NFL insiders leaking concerns about his attitude to analysts like Todd McShay. Others argue his flashy lifestyle—gold chains, Rolls Royces, and a rapper-like persona—clashes with the NFL’s conservative culture. Former congressman Jamaal Bowman fueled the debate, alleging on X that the NFL fears “strong Black men” who refuse to conform, comparing Sanders’ treatment to Colin Kaepernick’s exile.

The President’s Bombshell Critique

The controversy exploded when the U.S. President took to Truth Social, slamming NFL owners for snubbing Sanders. “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” the President wrote, praising Deion Sanders’ legacy and Shedeur’s “PHENOMENAL GENES.” The post, which garnered millions of views, escalated the drama, framing Sanders’ slide as a failure of NFL leadership.

The President’s remarks zeroed in on Mark Hodge Murphy, the Packers’ president, whose team passed on Sanders despite needing quarterback depth behind Jordan Love. The President accused Murphy of “cowardice” and “bowing to outdated biases,” prompting a swift and fiery response from Green Bay.

Murphy’s Defiant Challenge

Mark Hodge Murphy, known for his measured leadership, didn’t hold back. In a press conference, he challenged the NFL to “look beyond stereotypes” and give Sanders a fair shot, while defending the Packers’ draft strategy. “We’re building a team, not chasing headlines,” Murphy said. “Shedeur’s talented, but we have a plan. If he’s available, we’ll evaluate him like anyone else.” He pushed back against the President’s criticism, calling it “divisive and uninformed,” and urged teams to focus on Sanders’ tape, not his persona. “The kid can play. Someone’s going to get a steal if they see past the noise.”

Murphy’s comments, while diplomatic, ignited further debate. Supporters on X praised his call for fairness, with one user posting, “Murphy’s right—Sanders is getting judged for his dad’s swagger, not his game.” Critics, however, accused him of deflecting, noting the Packers’ failure to draft Sanders at No. 45. The hashtag #ShedeurSnub trended, with memes of Sanders waiting by the phone going viral on TikTok.

A Cultural Flashpoint

The Sanders saga has transcended football, tapping into deeper tensions about race, privilege, and authenticity. Bowman’s claim that Sanders’ “culture” and appearance—black attire, gold chains, and confident swagger—are scaring off teams has resonated with fans who see systemic bias at play. “Eli Manning refused to play for San Diego, and nobody called him entitled,” Bowman argued, highlighting perceived double standards.

Conversely, some scouts argue Sanders’ slide is about football fit. His reliance on timing-based passing, struggles with pro rhythm, and Colorado’s unconventional offense raise red flags. “He’s not a sure-fire starter,” one anonymous GM told ESPN. “Teams don’t want the circus that comes with him.”

What’s Next?

As the draft’s final rounds unfold, Sanders’ fate hangs in the balance. Will a team like the Packers, who hold late-round picks, take a flyer on him? Or will Sanders face the indignity of going undrafted, forcing him to sign as a free agent? Murphy’s challenge has put the NFL on notice, but it’s unclear if teams will heed his call.

This story is a social media juggernaut, with every angle—Sanders’ snub, the President’s outburst, and Murphy’s retort—fueling clicks, shares, and arguments. Whether you see Sanders as a scapegoat or an overrated prospect, one thing is clear: his journey is reshaping the NFL draft narrative, and the world is watching.