A football fan has taken being let down by the league to a new level. Under the anonymity of John Doe, a man has filed a lawsuit against the NFL for “the impact of the NFL’s actions on his emotional well-being,” about the drama that surrounded Shedeur Sanders‘ draft slide.
According to MSNBC, the man is seeking $100 million in punitive damages after Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, despite projections he would be selected in the first round.
“Despite Sanders’ demonstrated skills and significant attention during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the NFL drafted him at the 144th pick during the 2025 NFL Draft,” the lawsuit detailed. It was filed in the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta division. The outlet noted the man is self-described as a “dedicated fan of Colorado football” and claimed that reports and leaked statements about Sanders negatively impacted the draft, “causing emotional distress and trauma to the Plaintiff as a fan and consumer.”
BOULDER, CO – APRIL 19: Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks on during a ceremony to retire his jersey before the Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field on April 19, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado.
Dustin Bradford/Getty Images for ONIT
In addition to the monetary judgment, the plaintiff demanded “formal acknowledgment from the NFL regarding the emotional distress caused by their actions and statements,” a “retraction of the slanderous statements made about Shedeur Sanders, along with an apology for any harm caused to his reputation” and implementation of “fairer practices in the drafting process to ensure that talented players are recognized and given opportunities based on merit.”
Sanders himself has not taken legal action, but was shocked that he was not one of the first of the 2025 draft class to find an NFL home.
“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything [is] possible, everything [is] possible,” explained the 23-year-old after the first day of the draft. “I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All of this is, of course, fuel to the fire. Under no circumstances did we all know this was going to happen, but we understand we on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary.”
After he was selected, the quarterback celebrated with a star-studded party and $1 million in cash. Earlier this week, Tom Brady revealed the advice he shared with Sanders following the disappointment. Brady has been a mentor to the football star dating back to his collegiate career.
“I said dude, whatever happens, wherever you go, that’s your first day,” the NFL legend revealed on the IMPAULSIVE podcast.
“Day 2 matters more than the draft. I was (pick) 199. So who could speak on it better than me? Like, what that really means? Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.”
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