NFL Hall of Famer Claims Teams Were Told Not To Draft She…

The mystery behind Shedeur Sanders’ draft-day slide has taken another turn, with Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson alleging that the NFL may have intentionally tried to keep him off the board.

Speaking on the Roggin and Rodney Show, Dickerson said he was told by a “very, very good source” that league officials instructed clubs not to select Sanders.

“The NFL told [teams] don’t draft him. We’re going to make an example out of him,” Dickerson recalled. He added that the original plan was for Sanders to go undrafted entirely.

According to Dickerson, the Cleveland Browns ultimately took Sanders only after facing outside pressure. “Somebody called the Cleveland Browns and said, ‘Don’t do that, draft him,’” he explained, suggesting the pick wasn’t part of the team’s strategy but a response to directives.

The claims echo past reports of league intervention. After Cleveland gave quarterback Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed contract, the NFL’s Management Council encouraged other franchises to avoid similar deals. Dickerson said Sanders became another example of how the league reinforces its position.

Reports following the draft indicated Sanders treated the pre-draft process differently than most prospects, approaching it more like a recruiting experience than a job interview. That perception, according to analysts at the time, contributed to his fall on draft boards.

Dickerson’s account adds another layer to the conversation. If accurate, it suggests factors beyond performance and evaluation may have influenced Sanders’ draft position. The NFL has not publicly addressed the claims.

Since joining the Browns, Shedeur Sanders has made headlines for his on-field ability as much as his draft-day controversy. He earned a starting role in his rookie season and quickly showed flashes of poise under pressure, with multiple fourth-quarter comeback wins to his name. His dual-threat style has brought energy to Cleveland’s offense, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s most dynamic young quarterbacks.