Shedeur Sanders responds to ex-Colorado player who criticized Deion

Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Deion Sanders faced some criticism this week from a former Colorado player, and Shedeur Sanders has come to his father’s defense.

In a story that was published by Max Olson of The Athletic on Monday, defensive back Xavier Smith said he was one of several players who were pushed to transfer after Sanders took over in Boulder prior to last season. Smith said he was hoping for an opportunity to prove to Sanders that he was worthy of a spot on the Colorado roster but that the Hall of Famer “never even tried to get to know me.” Smith also accused Sanders of “destroying guys’ confidence.”

Shedeur, who is Colorado’s star quarterback, does not have any sympathy for Smith. The younger Sanders took to social media on Tuesday to essentially dismiss Smith’s opinion.

“Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be very mid at best,” Shedeur wrote on X.

Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be very mid at best. https://t.co/qwK48Ys0Et

— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) April 30, 2024

Other players who transferred from Colorado were also interviewed by The Athletic, and some had positive things to say about Sanders. Based on his reaction, it seems like Shedeur believes Smith’s comments are nothing but bitterness from a former player who was not good enough to play for the Buffaloes.

Deion has been open about his desire to use the transfer portal both ways in order to build a strong program at Colorado. He conveyed that message to his players with a ruthless message shortly after he was hired.

Smith is not the only former Colorado player to criticize Sanders, and he probably will not be the last.