NFL legend Deion Sanders lamented what his son, Shedeur, had to go through during his pre-draft process and during his rookie season in Cleveland. 

Despite being viewed as a high pick in the lead-up to the draft, Shedeur was picked 144th overall after an arduous process and criticism, which the elder Sanders said left “scars.” 

“When he takes off his shirt, I see the scars on his back that he’s been through hell, but he’s made it through hell,” Deion said in an appearance on “The Barbershop” that was published on Thursday.

Deion, who coached his son in high school and college, pushed back on the conversation that had surrounded Shedeur, including questions about his character. 

Deion described the pre-draft discourse as “some ignorant things came out about him” and that they were “a lie.” 

“Like, he would never go into a meeting with headphones on. He would never go into a meeting unprepared. Like, that’s just not who he is. There’s no way he could accomplish the things he accomplished without being prepared,” Deion explained. 

Deion also expressed frustration over how his son was covered during his first year with the Browns. 

Shedeur finished the 2025 season with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns. 

The Browns quarterback started the final seven games of the season, and the team went 3-4.

Now with new head coach Todd Monken at the helm, Shedeur is battling for the starter job with Deshaun Watson. 

Shedeur sounded positive about the new coaching staff last month when he said Monken was “great.” 

“They’re going to understand and embrace you just as a person,” Shedeur said, “and then they push you each and every day in the meeting room, on the field, in the weight room. It’s a new vibe, a new energy.”