Back in late March, Deion Sanders laughed as he promised Shilo a brand-new car if he ran a 40-yard dash under 4.4 seconds. It sounded like a proud dad’s playful bet—but beneath the jokes, there was real pressure. Draft weekend would soon reveal just how much stock NFL teams put into raw speed, polished tape, and a famous last name. Fast forward to April’s end, and the Sanders brothers found themselves living a different story than they’d imagined: one drafted far later than expected, and the other clinging to a free-agent shot. In a league where legends can be humbled and dreams delayed, the true test for his sons has only just begun.

“I’m built for whatever today may bring,” Shedeur Sanders said on the draft’s first day. No one, in their wildest dreams, saw him sliding out of the first round. Things didn’t stop there; they worsened. His wait stretched out to the third day, while three quarterbacks rated lower than him in analyst circles were picked on the second day. The NFL sent him a low-key message: everything works according to the owner’s wishes. Or, as an LOTR fan might put it, ‘You have no power here!’ The GMs seemed united in humbling Sanders, as he even got prank-called about being drafted. But finally, relief came for him and his elder brother, Shilo Sanders.

The $3.6 billion-valued franchise, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signed Colorado safety Shilo as an undrafted free agent. He likes to play a physical game and recorded 72 tackles in 2023, the most for Colorado that season. His ability to play above and beyond his physical frame also makes him a potential game-changer at safety, capable of raising his game in crucial moments. His younger brother is also feeling relaxed now.

However, the NFC South franchise has taken a huge risk. They would have drafted him if they truly considered him a top prospect. NFL analyst Jake Harper predicted Shilo to be a third-day pick for any team looking to strengthen their defense. Yes, Deion Sanders had told his son he would gift him a new car if he ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds. But Shilo clocked in at 4.52 seconds. While talent and attitude determine success, other factors—timing, fit, and polish—also play key roles.

The rookie himself joked while revealing a huge mistake that might have contributed to this embarrassment: “Dad was our agent, but that hasn’t been working out too good. So today I had to sign with an agent.” That’s 10000% true. Whatever advice the Cowboys Hall of Famer gave to his sons, it clearly didn’t work out as planned.

While no one expected Shilo Sanders to be a first-round pick in any projection, Shedeur definitely was seen as a top prospect just two months ago. He was in direct competition with Miami QB Cam Ward, the first overall pick. But in reality, the gap became 142 picks wide.

Shilo Sanders’ younger brother finally gets drafted

After going undrafted through the first four rounds, the Browns finally drafted Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round (144th overall). They traded up by sending picks 166 and 192 to the Seahawks to make the move. The quarterback appeared relaxed after being drafted, saying: “I’m favored, I’m blessed. Besides that, it’s not really anything that changed. The love of the game is still the love of the game.”

The Steelers‘ HC, Mike Tomlin, must have left Shedeur Sanders feeling betrayed when he passed on him. But those things aren’t a factor anymore. Browns GM Andrew Berry captured the sentiment perfectly, saying: “We didn’t expect him to be available in (the) fifth.”

However, Berry went on to praise the quarterback after drafting him, adding: “Can play well from the pocket. Very productive college career. It wasn’t necessarily the plan going into the weekend to draft two QBs.” The AFC North franchise had earlier drafted Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, too.

Now, it’s a race. Shedeur Sanders will have to compete with Deshaun Watson, who is eyeing a comeback. There’s even a possibility the Browns could trade Shedeur later in the offseason if roster dynamics change. Still, for the Sanders camp, there’s plenty to celebrate—both sons are officially in the league. It’s also a reminder that in the NFL, the game humbles you better than anyone ever could.