Wednesday, September 23, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Trump Defends Sanders After Snub: ‘What Is Wrong With NFL Owners?’

The president expressed support for the former Colorado quarterback after he wasn’t drafted in the first round.

Leah Millis-Imagn Images

One of the most surprising snubs of the first round of the NFL Draft has found a new critic in President Donald Trump.

Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social in support of Shedeur Sanders, who went undrafted Thursday night despite drawing interest from several teams. Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, played for his father at Colorado, and his Buffaloes teammate Travis Hunter went No. 2 overall to the Jaguars.

“What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” Trump posted shortly before the second round began Friday. “Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!”

Based on the timing of his social media posts, the president either sent the message from the skies or fired it off shortly after he arrived in Italy for the funeral of Pope Francis. He posted about Sanders shortly before sharing two messages that he landed in Italy, along with a video stepping off the plane.

All of these posts came just hours before ESPN began its second- and third-round coverage of the draft. Reports before the draft began suggested it was unclear when Sanders might be picked, and it could be as late as the third round.

While he was still coaching at Jackson State, Deion Sanders wrote a letter to the Trump White House in support of pardoning rapper Lil Wayne. The younger Sanders brother, Shilo, made comments about Trump earlier this year when talking about internet critics. “If you just hate me, or you want to hate me…paint me in a bad picture, they do that to our president, they do that to everybody.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 23, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison (21) defends against Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) in the second half at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Can Vancouver Be the WNBA’s Next Market? 

A source says the WNBA has no expansion plans beyond what’s been announced.
Exclusive

Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris Can Play in UFL This Spring

The pair have been blocked from college football and the NFL.
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer speaks to athletic director Greg Byrne prior to the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Alabama AD Greg Byrne Talks CFP Expansion, Life After Saban

Byrne also addressed jersey patch sponsorships and challenges with NIL.
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) leaps to avoid a tackle by Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) while running with the ball during the second half at AT&T Stadium.

NFL Viewership Bounces Back in Week 2

Last Sunday’s NFL games each showed sizable viewership increases.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/23/26 – NFL QB Injuries Pile Up, Seahawks’ Scouting Cold War, Aikman’s Contract Limbo

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.

NHL Leadership Shift Addresses Canadian Competitive Imbalance

The league’s leadership shift highlights a growing focus on Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump waves from a golf cart at Trump Turnberry resort in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 27, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble
First at FOS
September 23, 2026

Trump Expected to Attend Presidents Cup on Sunday’s Final Round

Trump attended the Ryder Cup last year.
Presidents Cup
September 23, 2026

Presidents Cup Resale Ticket Prices Drop Below Face Value

The Presidents Cup is expecting up to 150,000 fans this week.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
September 22, 2026

MLB Raises PE Ownership Limit to 20%

The change happened earlier this summer and wasn’t announced.
September 22, 2026

NHL Not Rushing Expansion Decision

The high-stakes decision is developing without any rigid timetable.
September 22, 2026

Presidents Cup Gives Medinah ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Golf Events

The Presidents Cup begins Thursday just outside Chicago.
September 22, 2026

Ohtani Return Gives MLB, Fox a Boost; Judge Heads to IL

The two MLB superstars reverse their roster status from two weeks ago.