Is Shedeur Sanders the Aaron Rodgers of college football? That’s the current speculation swirling around the Buffaloes’ quarterback. At first, it was sports journalist Mike Farrell to draw such a comparison, but not in a flattering light due to what he perceived as Sanders’ alleged “selfishness.” Widely because of Shedeur’s NIL campaign with LV, walking the runway with a goat mask, and his recent slow performance, he has become the laughing stock of Colorado football.
But is this comparison fair? Is it justified to label a young athlete as the “Aaron Rodgers” of anything, let alone college football? Let’s take a closer look at the situation and see if Sanders truly deserves this comparison.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that comparing any athlete to a legend like Aaron Rodgers is a huge statement. Rodgers is a Super Bowl champion, multiple-time MVP, and one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. To even suggest that Sanders could be in the same league as Rodgers is a bold claim.
But let’s look at the facts. Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been in the spotlight since his high school days. He was a highly recruited quarterback, with offers from top college programs like Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Ultimately, he chose to play for the University of Colorado, a decision that many saw as a surprise.
In his first year with the Buffaloes, Sanders showed flashes of potential but also struggled at times. He finished the season with 2,216 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Not bad for a freshman, but certainly not at the level of a Rodgers.
But it’s not just on the field where Sanders has drawn comparisons to the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback. It’s also his off-field antics that have led some to label him as a “diva” or “selfish.”
One incident that sparked these comparisons was Sanders’ NIL campaign with LV, a luxury fashion brand. Sanders walked the runway in a goat mask, a not-so-subtle reference to Rodgers, who is often referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). This move was seen as arrogant and immature by some, leading to criticism from sports journalists like Mike Farrell.
But let’s not forget that Sanders is only a 19-year-old college student. He is young, talented, and still learning how to navigate the pressures of being a high-profile athlete. His bold fashion choices and social media presence may not be to everyone’s liking, but it’s unfair to label him as selfish based on these actions.
Furthermore, Sanders’ slow performance in recent games has only added fuel to the fire. He has faced criticism for his lack of urgency on the field and has been accused of not taking the game seriously enough. But let’s remember that football is a team sport. It’s not solely up to one player to carry the team to victory. Sanders may have had some slow moments, but he has also shown the potential to be a great quarterback in the future.
It’s also worth noting that Sanders is playing for a team that has been struggling in recent years. The Buffaloes have not had a winning season since 2016 and have gone through multiple coaching changes. This instability can be tough for any young athlete to navigate, and it’s unfair to solely blame Sanders for the team’s struggles.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Shedeur Sanders is not the Aaron Rodgers of college football. He is a talented young quarterback with a lot of potential, but he is still developing and learning. Comparing him to a legend like Rodgers is not only unfair but also puts unnecessary pressure on him.
Instead of labeling Sanders as selfish or a diva, let’s support and encourage him as he continues to grow as a player and a person. Let’s remember that he is still a college student, and like any young person, he is allowed to make mistakes and have fun. It’s time to stop the comparisons and let Sanders carve out his own path in college football. And who knows, maybe one day he will become the Aaron Rodgers of the NFL. But for now, let’s just let him be Shedeur Sanders.
