Former Dem Congressman Jamaal Bowman Blasts NFL Over Shedeur Sanders Draft Slide: ‘America Continues to Fear Strong Black Men’
Former Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman accused the NFL of racism Friday after Shedeur Sanders fell out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders, who starred at Colorado and is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was not selected through the first four rounds of the draft as of early Saturday afternoon.
Quarterbacks taken before him included Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Dillon Gabriel, and Tyler Shough.
Ward, who was selected first overall, is Black.
Bowman shared a video and a post on X alleging that Sanders’ culture and appearance were responsible for his slide.
“The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur Sanders] because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper,” Bowman wrote. “They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no o-line and no running game. America continues to fear strong black men who come from means and have a strong sense of themselves without submitting to the ‘dominant’ culture.”
In a video also shared, Bowman said, “It’s the way Shedeur dresses. It’s the way he talks, and it’s his culture, in my opinion. You see him at the draft last night. He’s wearing all black. He got the L chain on, and he talks like a rapper.”
Bowman also questioned criticism that Sanders is entitled, comparing him to white quarterbacks such as Eli Manning.
“He’s entitled, but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?” Bowman asked.
Sanders entered the draft as one of the highest-profile quarterbacks in the class. He threw for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions in the 2024 season. His teammate, Travis Hunter, won the Heisman Trophy last season.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has also criticized Sanders’ draft slide on X. Smith called the situation “a damn disgrace” and referenced Colin Kaepernick’s experience being pushed outn of the NFL.
Saturday morning, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy called accusations that Sanders had not been drafted over race “pure fantasy.”
Sanders was criticized by several unnamed NFL officials who reportedly expressed concerns about his attitude leading up to the draft.
