What’s that saying? Like father, like son? Or father like son? Well, Shedeur Sanders just hit a milestone that even the legendary Deion Sanders couldn’t touch back in his college days. Both Sanders men landed 8th in the Heisman voting, Co-incidence? More like a universal sign, I’d say. Here’s how it goes; Shedeur bagged 47 total votes, including a coveted first-place nod (we see you, Jameis Winston), while Coach Prime back in 1988 barely scraped 22 votes and got exactly zero first-place love. Yes, before y’all start commenting, I know, the competition back then was outrageous with Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman & Co. However, here’s a kicker- despite outshining his dad on the Heisman stage, Shedeur shares the same bittersweet fate as his pops: no playoff berth and an offseason full of what-ifs.

Let’s set the scene. Shedeur lit it up for Colorado this season, throwing for a ridiculous 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 8 picks. This man wasn’t just cooking; he was serving 5-star meals every Saturday in Boulder or wherever he played on. And let’s not forget, he’s the reason Travis Hunter walked away with the 2024 Heisman. Fourteen of Shedeur’s touchdowns—yeah, you heard that right—were to Hunter, who racked up 1,152 yards like it was child’s play. If that ain’t assist of the year, I don’t know what is. However, if we being real; Shedeur never really had a shot at winning the Heisman in a field stacked with generational talent like Ashton Jeanty.

Speaking of Jeanty, the dude was literally a one-man wrecking crew, putting up Barry Sanders-esque numbers and carrying his boys to the playoffs, single-handedly. Almost 2,500 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns? That’s cheat-code level. No team had any idea how to stop him, just like Barry Sanders. Back in 1988, Barry Sanders ran away with the Heisman while Deion’s cornerback skills earned him the 8th spot—and a Jim Thorpe Award to boot. Deion’s 503 rushing yards, one lonely touchdown, and four picks weren’t exactly “Prime Time,” but boy, did he make up for it in the NFL.

And this is where the Shedeur vs. Deion conversation gets extra spicy. Sure, Shedeur’s low-key eclipsed his dad’s college Heisman run, but can he replicate—or even outshine—Deion’s legendary pro career? If Deion Sanders played in today’s college football, he’d be having at-least one Heisman in his name and that NIL? Let’s not go over there.

Can Shedeur Sanders outdo Deion Sanders in The NFL?

Here’s the thing: Deion Sanders didn’t just play in the NFL—he dominated it. Fifth overall pick in 1989, two Super Bowl rings, eight Pro Bowl selections, nine first-team All-Pro nods, and enough highlight reels to keep SportsCenter running for years. And oh, he moonlit as a Major League Baseball player. Yep, Prime Time hit home runs and snagged interceptions on the same day. GOAT behavior, period.

Meanwhile, Shedeur is projected as a top-3 pick in the 2025 draft, and the kid’s arm talent and football IQ are undeniable. But can he bring the swagger and success his dad had in both the NFL and MLB? That’s a tall order, especially when you remember Deion wasn’t just a player; he was a phenomenon. Shedeur’s got the tools, but matching the cultural footprint of Prime Time? Good luck.

End of the day, Shedeur Sanders has already done what many thought low-key impossible: stepped out of his dad’s massive shadow, at least on the college stage. His Heisman journey proves he’s not just Deion’s son—he’s a baller in his own rights. Whether he can translate that into an NFL career worthy of comparison to his dad’s is the next chapter. For now, the Sanders legacy continues to evolve, and honestly, it’s a hell of a show.