Shedeur Sanders is making NIL history! It’s sure a big day for Buffs fans as their quarterback becomes the first-ever college football star to sign a deal with sports apparel giant Nike.

This Wednesday, Nike announced the news with the tagline, “Now it’s a family business,” celebrating Shedeur’s entry into the Nike family. While it sounds great from all angles, some on the internet see it as nepotism. With his dad, Deion Sanders, partnering with Nike for nearly 30 years, Shedeur’s new milestone is seen by some as riding on his father’s coattails.

Adding to the buzz, latest reports say “Nike unveils a massive Shedeur Sanders billboard in NYC at Times Square.” Now, this is a rare honor, and only select QBs like Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, and Johnny Manziel have done it. And guess what? All these names are Heisman winners! Well, looks like a good omen for Shedeur. 

Now, beyond the hype, this deal is also quite revolutionary for Shedeur’s career. It’s expected to boost his NIL valuation, which is already at $4.7 million, the highest in the NCAA. And we might soon see his own line of footwear and apparel hitting the market. In a short Nike clip, Shedeur shared his excitement, saying, “Between me and pops, definitely our style is the best.” He added, “He’s more old-school… that might work for some, but I know mine is more universal.”

But the proud old-school dad, Deion, was the first to celebrate his son’s big achievement, posting, “He ain’t got next; he’s got NOW!” Even Shedeur’s mom, Pilar Sanders, also showed support, cheering for her son on Nike’s post.

While his parents are over the moon about his new deal, the internet’s not seeing with the same lens. 

Internet debates Shedeur Sanders’ feat

Sports reporter Dov Kleiman posted that Nike has surprised everyone with a giant banner of Shedeur Sanders in Times Square. But let’s be real—the world hasn’t been free from critics. One X user sarcastically commented, “Worst event to ever take place in NYC involving a building,” while another said, “Daddy hooked him up 🫡,” hinting at nepotism. There may be some truth to that, given Deion Sanders’ long-standing relationship with Nike. His Air Max DT shoes have been big sellers, and this year he has more Colorado Buffaloes-inspired sneaker collections on the way. Plus, the entire Sanders family has been featured in Nike endorsements, so Shedeur’s new deal could seem like favoritism.

However, it’s also fair to say Shedeur deserves it! When one X user skeptically asked, “This for a 4-8 team???,” the reality is it’s not just about his team’s record. It’s about Shedeur’s individual performance—69% pass completion rate and 31 touchdowns despite a poor team play. Even NFL scouts have noticed, with the New York Giants rumored as a potential landing spot for the QB. Responding to this, another user joked, “Yup, he’s heading to The Giants 😅.”

While the reactions are mixed, with both praise and criticism pouring in, one X user put it bluntly: “The haters can’t take it😭🦬.” Now, whether it’s love or backlash, there’s no denying Shedeur is cashing in big with this deal.