In a recent episode of his podcast “New Heights,” Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce brought a fiery heat to the conversation surrounding Shedeur Sanders and the criticisms aimed at him leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. Kelce’s comments reflected not just his belief in player accountability but also seemed to resonate with those who see the value in confronting anonymous critics in the league.
Kelce, known for his candid personality, didn’t hold back, putting the naysayers on blast with an emphatic call for transparency: “I think whoever the fing anonymous person that is fing saying this should f***ing come out and say who they were.” His passionate response underscored a frustration that many players feel when facing unverified backlash, especially during such a pivotal time as the draft.
The backdrop to Kelce’s remarks is Sanders’ surprising fall from projected first-round pick to being selected in the fifth round, with the Cleveland Browns taking him at pick 144. Analysts and teams had their concerns, notably surrounding Sanders’ interviews and perceived attitude. Renowned voices like Boomer Esiason pointed out that at least three teams removed Sanders from their draft boards, attributing this drastic move to his “entitled” demeanor during team assessments.
Despite the rocky pre-draft analysis, Kelce maintained faith in Sanders, stating, “What I saw on film, I thought he was a way higher pick.” His encouraging words reflect a belief in Sanders’ potential and hard work ethic, suggesting he’s positioned for a fresh start in Cleveland. During their call, Browns GM Andrew Berry echoed this sentiment, urging Sanders to “prove everyone who passed on you wrong,” setting the stage for a motivating beginning to his NFL journey.
Kelce’s passionate defense of Sanders may also stem from his personal experiences before the 2013 Draft. Having faced his own challenges—like a suspension during his college years that undoubtedly impacted his draft stock—Kelce understands the weight of off-field perceptions and how they can unfairly overshadow talent. During his pre-draft call, Chiefs coach Andy Reid confronted him directly about his past, questioning if he was “going to f*** this up,” a testament to the pressures that loom large over prospective talent.
Ultimately, the silver lining for both Kelce and Sanders is the reminder that success in the NFL isn’t solely defined by first-round picks or draft day triumphs. Kelce’s career trajectory exemplifies that – evolving from a third-round selection into a dominant force and a future Hall of Famer, proving skeptics wrong at every turn. For Sanders, a similar ascent awaits provided he channels this setback into motivation and determination to excel.
As he embarks on his NFL journey, all eyes will be watching to see if Sanders can quiet the critics and carve out his place in the league, echoing the path of so many who have faced doubters and emerged stronger on the other side. The narrative of overcoming adversity is one that resonates deeply within the sports world, and for players like Sanders, it’s about transforming that narrative into reality.
