It’s no secret that New Orleans Saints fans (including myself) are upset with the passing of Shedeur Sanders for Tyler Shough; however, my Sports Business mind kicked on and made it make sense.
Shedeur, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, became a massive figure in college football, both on the field and through the lens of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. With major endorsements and millions of followers, he built a brand bigger than many NFL rookies could dream of. Shedeur was a part of a University of Colorado’s football team resurgence under the leadership of his dad, but he has been known to have “Happy Feet.” Shedeur Sanders often displays “Happy Feet” characteristics during football games, a term used to describe a quarterback who moves his feet constantly in the pocket—sometimes nervously, sometimes strategically. With Shedeur, it’s a bit of both. His quick, jittery footwork can look like a dance, reminiscent of a penguin from Happy Feet, especially when the pocket starts collapsing. He shuffles, pivots, and bounces with an energy that suggests both urgency and anticipation, always scanning for a passing lane or a chance to escape. While some critics argue that this movement shows a lack of poise, others see it as his unique rhythm—a way of staying alert, mobile, and unpredictable on the field.
Shough began his college career at Oregon, starting after Justin Herbert’s departure, before transferring to Texas Tech, where injuries limited his playing time but showcased his toughness and leadership whenever he was on the field. Despite an up-and-down college career, Shough impressed scouts with his resilience, football IQ, and ability to manage a game without forcing plays. However, with the reels going around of Shough’s combine tape missing lots of targets, many Saints fans are not too sure about his football IQ and ability to come into the game when Spencer and multiway player Taysom Hill are out.
But here’s the hard truth: the NFL is a business too. The business of football is often colder than fans realize. Teams aren’t just drafting players; they’re drafting contracts, personalities, and future locker room culture. NIL has given players more power and visibility in college, but once you step into the NFL, the only thing that matters is how you fit into the business model of winning. And sometimes, business decisions aren’t made on popularity, but on fit, finances, and future planning. Which is why I think the Saints went with Shough. To me the Saints were looking at the long term of possibly trading Shoug after his Rookie contract and the amount of money they will save and draft picks they can receive for him. The Saints needed a backup who could quietly support, develop, and contribute without bringing added distractions or salary complications — and Shough, not Sanders, fit that mold.
Although New Orleans and their fans are pretty flashy, the Saints front office is pretty straight forward. The Sanders family is known for their flash, charisma, and larger-than-life presence — traits that fit perfectly with the spirit of New Orleans and the Saints’ passionate fanbase. From Deion’s “Prime Time” era to Shedeur’s high-profile NIL lifestyle, the Sanders brand thrives in the spotlight. But while the fans might embrace that energy, the Saints’ front office sees things differently. In their eyes, success is built through quiet leadership, accountability, and a commitment to the team over personal brand. That fundamental difference in philosophy is likely why the Saints opted for a more traditional, steady presence at quarterback, choosing Tyler Shough over the flash and fame that came with Shedeur Sanders. Tyler Shough fits that bill. He’s a capable quarterback with solid fundamentals and, most importantly, no major NIL baggage. No massive endorsement demands. No off-field distractions. Just football.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders’ NIL success, while groundbreaking for college athletes, may have signaled to some NFL executives that he sees himself as a brand first, a quarterback second. That can make teams nervous, especially for backup or developmental roles where humility and patience are key. According to reports, Shedeur’s pre-draft interviews weren’t just average — they were bad. Executives walked away questioning his leadership skills, his humility, and whether he would be willing to do the ugly work that backup quarterbacks — and even young starters — have to do in the NFL. One scout put it bluntly: “He still sees himself as a brand, not a quarterback.” The reviews may be questionable because of his Name, Image, and Likeness, which is also part of his Sanders DNA. Deion has never been known for being the quiet or shy kid at the back of the room.
For Shedeur Sanders, this draft experience was a hard but important reminder. Talent matters. Branding matters. But in the NFL, business always wins.
His story is far from over. But now, it’s clear: if Sanders wants to become an NFL star, it won’t be just because of his name, or his brand.
It’ll be because he proves, day in and day out, that he’s about football first.
