The bias is real. With just two weeks to go until the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s a portion of the league that doesn’t want Shedeur Sanders’s draft stock to rise. That resistance may stem from his confidence—he’s been open about his desires and expectations as a starting quarterback in the NFL. During the combine, he told teams that whoever drafts him should be prepared to change their culture. That mindset has stirred up some waves across the league.

On Friday, April 4, the entire Colorado Buffaloes football team gathered, including Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, and another top draft prospect, CB/WR Travis Hunter. NFL insider John Frascella posted a video showing the college QB patting the ball—a habit he claimed could be problematic in the NFL, potentially leading to easy interceptions by defenders.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms discussed the clip on the April 7 episode of NFL on NBC alongside Mike Florio. While discussing Shedeur Sanders’ habit, and said, “It’s an overblown thing. The pat really has nothing to do with it. It’s your eyes. Your eyes are the big difference there.” If we go by these standards, then the Colorado quarterback has no issues.

As clearly seen in the workout video, his mechanics remained tight. His throwing arm stayed in position, ready to release. Although he patted the ball, it didn’t require him to drop his arm or lower the ball—maintaining fluidity in his motion. His head remained steady, ensuring his eyes stayed locked on the target, not glancing down at the ball.

Shedeur Sanders also found major success in college using the same throwing habit. In fact, many legendary quarterbacks had similar tendencies and still went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Chris Simms pointed this out, saying, “Not only Tom Brady—as I told you in the text yesterday—a lot of the GOATs patted the ball. I mean, John Elway is famous for doing this right here. Dan Marino is the pattiest mother effer you’ve ever seen, right? There’s Joe Montana, another GOAT, right?” naming several all-time greats.

However, the workout video did cause a fight in the league. Cowboys LB Micah Parsons and Giants WR Darius Slayton were at the center of this altercation.

Ex-NFLer trolls Micah Parsons over Shedeur Sanders’ pat

The NY Giants are a rumored destination for the Colorado QB. So, when the fans started questioning if patting the ball made a difference, Slayton came to the QB’s rescue with a claim of no effect. Just like Simms, he also named Tom Brady, who had the same habit.

However, Cowboys LB Micah Parsons argued that the split-second difference in releasing the ball could be monumental in critical moments. Yet, he also clapped back at the receiver for bringing the GOAT’s name into the conversation. But the analyst didn’t take sides amid Shedeur Sanders’ drama.

Florio declared the Giants player was the winner and said, “Maybe Micah’s got a future in shouting head sports media or politics. Here’s where Micah moved the goalpost. Micah, we love you as a player, but this is not your best work. You moved the goalpost. Darius Slayton makes a good point. The GOAT patted the ball, so why is it an issue?” It’s a rift that’s getting bigger.

Looks like, Shedeur Sanders has a chip on his shoulder, even before getting drafted in the league. Wherever he lands, the debate will follow him.