Cleats or golden kicks, Sanders’ feet can do it all in size 12. Even back in Colorado, he wasn’t just lighting up the scoreboard. He is carrying the torch passed down by his father, Deion. Coach Prime once stole the spotlight with glittering cleats that turned him into a marketing icon. That deal didn’t just launch a shoe—it launched a standard for substance. When it came time for Shedeur to take the stage, Deion didn’t hesitate: “My son’s got it. And I’m going to coach him up myself.” And he did. Shedeur’s now matching that energy in his own way—building brands, and turning moments into momentum. As Deion always said, “If you look good, you feel good.” Shedeur clearly listened—and leveled it up.

Shedeur Sanders’ footwork has long drawn eyes, sparking debate among fans and critics alike. In August last year, it wasn’t just his play that grabbed headlines; it was his feet, quite literally. The 22-year-old made history by snatching a rare Nike deal with his feet, which is otherwise reserved for seasoned pros of the Big League. It was the ultimate tribute to his father. “I would want to build on it,” Shedeur said. “Everything that’s great has to have a story behind it.” From game-winning drives to press-conference walks in custom Maybachs, Sanders is nothing less than a walking brand. His feet aren’t just tools used in the turf to put up stats—they’re making headlines and creating history. 

 The Browns QB was recently spotted signing autographs at an event, but it wasn’t just ink he dropped. In a video posted on X on May 16, he revealed major news. The clip quickly went viral, gaining 88.4K views in just 24 hours. In the middle of signing gear, Sanders made the kind of casual announcement that hits different. He confirmed the launch of his new “Browns Edition” DT96 sneakers, set to drop in August 2025. “We got the Browns edition DT96 that beat your ugly,” he said, flashing that signature confidence.

This sneaker release is a continuation of Shedeur’s fast-growing legacy with Nike. In August 2024, just before the college football season kicked off, Sanders signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the brand. The agreement spans both footwear and apparel, anchoring him as the only one in Nike’s top college athletes’ faces. The move mirrors the path of his father, Deion Sanders, who had his own cleat line with Nike during his prime.

That story is now being laced into every detail of the upcoming shoe. Nike has already teased the release on their official site. One standout ad reads: “Unleash greatness with the Air DT Max 96 ‘White Gold’—a definitive statement in the realm of athletic mastery and timeless legacy.” It’s not just a shoe. It’s a narrative, one built on the legacy of the Sanders family. Brown fans and sneakerheads are itching to get their hands on it. 

Nike’s visual campaign supports that weighty message. The site features photos of Shedeur trying on the shoes, showing his ease and fit in the Prime mold. There are crisp shots of him in motion, the shoe front and center. The sneakers are “decked in immaculate white leather with bold metallic gold underlays.” The colorway takes direct inspiration from gold chains, a nod to the Sanders family’s rise and identity. It’s flashy, but it’s meaningful. According to Nike, the metallic sheen breaks away from the ordinary, reflecting luxury and legacy in one stride. It’s a full-circle moment for Shedeur, where story, family, and style align. And now all he needs to do is shine the same way in the NFL, too. 

From NIL to NFL: Shedeur Sanders waits for the first call

The 2024 season looked like a highlight reel for Shedeur Sanders. At 22, he was stacking trophies, touchdowns, and attention from every corner of the football world. He lit up defenses, posted big numbers, and started turning the heads of NFL executives. The Browns’ scouting report said it loud: “Shedeur Sanders is one of the purest passers from the pocket in college football and the NFL Draft class.”

Sanders wrapped up his senior season on a high note. He earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and finished No. 8 in Heisman voting. In just 13 games, he completed 74 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. The 22-year-old added four scores on the ground, proving he could move the chains with his legs when needed. His playstyle was clean, efficient, and full of command—everything scouts look for.

But when Draft Day 2025 rolled around, the script flipped. Everyone expected his name to be called early. Instead, name after name rolled off the board, and Sanders became the overlooked talent in the room. He slid to the 144th pick in the 5th round, where the Browns finally called his name. Some blamed the watch, others blamed the hype. But Sanders stayed grounded.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible… All of this is, of course, fuel to the fire… We understand we on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary.”

Now, the skies seem to be clearing, and Sanders is letting his arm do the talking. Reports out of Browns rookie minicamp are glowing, and head coach Kevin Stefanski offered high praise: “A very, very impressive young man.”

With the crowded QB room helping Sanders perform even better, it’ll be interesting to see what lies ahead for him!