Isiah Thomas Stands by Coach Prime’s Family As Shedeur Sanders Holds Head High

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The NFL Draft, a spectacle of dreams realized and potential unearthed, often delivers its share of surprises. But the 2025 edition in Green Bay held a particularly unexpected twist: the prolonged wait for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A player whose name recognition, fueled by his own talent and the undeniable influence of his father, Deion Sanders, had many anticipating an earlier selection, found himself still on the board as Day 3 dawned. This unforeseen slide didn’t go unnoticed, with NBA legend Isiah Thomas stepping into the fray to offer a poignant message of support. Sanders’ delayed draft status became a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the emotional rollercoaster it can be for aspiring stars.

Shedeur Sanders was arguably the most recognizable name in college football heading into this draft, and let’s be honest, a lot of that came from his famous father, Deion Sanders. Coach Prime’s flashy, media-savvy approach at Jackson State and Colorado made Shedeur a household name long before draft night. Early on, some draft experts even had Sanders rated higher than Miami’s Cam Ward, who shockingly went No. 1 overall to Tennessee. But as the draft crept closer, doubts started to surface. And Isiah Thomas has also shown his love for Shedeur. 

In his latest Instagram story, Isiah Thomas made a quiet but powerful statement. He posted a solid black image with just one thing on it. Shedeur Sanders’ name in white. It was a simple reflection of the dark moment Shedeur was walking through. But like that white text on black, it’s a reminder to stay visible, stay strong. As Thomas wrote, “We love ❤️ you young brother. Keep your head high and continue to vibrate with love and joy. We are proud of you!! @nfl @nflpa @deionsanders @cubuffsfootball” 

He was not alone who held his head high in the grim time. While the third round was ticking by without his name, Shedeur posted on X, “Another day another opportunity to get a chance to play the game I love. Thank you GOD #LEGENDARY”

Both legends were holding onto hope, and it looks like those prayers just got answered. According to the latest report, the Cleveland Browns selected QB Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. “We felt like he was a good solid prospect at the most important position.” General Manager Andrew Berry said.

“We view him as a highly accurate pocket passer who does a good job of taking care of the ball…We’re excited to work with him.” It’s proof, once again, that day really does follow night. And that unwavering support Isiah Thomas showed will stand as a beautiful reminder that love, support, and brotherhood in sports run deeper than any stat sheet or draft number.

Beyond his timely support for Shedeur Sanders, Isiah Thomas’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. A shrewd businessman, Thomas offers a valuable blueprint for young athletes navigating the complexities of fame and fortune.

Isiah Thomas schools the new Gen on playing the long money game

Isiah Thomas will forever be remembered for his iconic 13 years with the Detroit Pistons. But let’s not forget the other side of his story,  the savvy career he built as a businessman. Even during his time dominating the hardwood, the leader of the notorious “Bad Boys” was making sharp investments and setting himself up for the future. Those visionary financial decisions earned him a spot on the cover of Forbes, a rare honor that made him the first NBA player ever to do so.

It all took off in 1992 when Thomas, seeing an opportunity, bought a bankrupt printing company. And turned it around and flipped it for a massive profit. That moment marked the beginning of his transformation from basketball superstar to savvy businessman.

In a 2024 interview with Forbes, Thomas sat down and shared the playbook that helped him secure his financial legacy. His advice to current NBA players? “Reach out to the top three CEOs in every city that you go to, you should make it a point to invite them to the game, have lunch with them and see if they’ll give you some advice.” 

That’s the strategy Thomas used to quietly build an unofficial board of mentors. And guiding his business decisions long after his playing days were over. And it’s a lesson that could be crucial for the current generation of athletes. For the record, many NBA stars have found themselves broke just a few years after retiring. From Allen Iverson to Latrell Sprewell to Kenny Anderson, these cautionary tales are sadly all too common.

But Thomas’s advice offers a way out. If today’s rising stars listen to the wisdom of a man who not only built a legacy on the court but also a financial empire off it. They’ll surely avoid the traps that too many before them fell into.

Thomas’s own successful transition from basketball icon to astute businessman offers invaluable lessons for the next generation of athletes, highlighting the importance of strategic financial planning alongside on-field achievements. In a world often defined by immediate results, both Sanders’ resilience and Thomas’s long-term vision provide compelling narratives of navigating the complexities of professional sports with grace and foresight.