Many football fans were stunned when quarterback Shedeur Sanders slid to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The University of Colorado star, who was widely expected to be a top pick, faced a long wait before being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall choice.
In a surprising twist, one devoted fan has decided to take legal action against the NFL. The fan, identified only as "John Doe" from Georgia, is suing the league for $100 million. He claims he suffered severe emotional distress watching Sanders drop down the draft board.
In a lawsuit filed this week, Doe alleges that NFL teams colluded against Sanders, spreading negative reports and rumors that he "tanked interviews," was "unprepared," and "too cocky." He argues that these actions violated Sanders’ rights and were influenced by racial discrimination. The lawsuit contends that the NFL misrepresented the drafting process and the players’ qualifications.
Doe describes himself as a dedicated fan of Colorado football, having closely followed Sanders during his impressive two seasons at the university. Sanders, who is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, had a standout college career, throwing for over 14,000 yards and setting a record with a touchdown pass in 49 consecutive games.
The lawsuit claims that the NFL’s actions and the slanderous statements made about Sanders caused emotional distress to Doe, leading to feelings of frustration and disappointment.
In addition to the hefty damages, Doe is seeking several specific outcomes from the lawsuit. He wants a formal acknowledgment from the NFL regarding the emotional harm caused, a retraction of the negative statements about Sanders, and an apology for the damage to his reputation. He also calls for fairer practices in the draft process to ensure that talented players are recognized based on their abilities.
This case raises important questions about the fairness of the NFL Draft and how players are evaluated. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be interesting to see how the NFL responds to these serious allegations.