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Jalen Milroe, Dillon Gabriel both taken ahead of Shedeur Sanders in unprecedented NFL Draft slide

After once being in the conversation to go top-five overall, Shedeur Sanders is not even a top-five quarterback taken.

Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart were first-round selections, but the New Orleans Saints took Tyler Shough with the 40th pick.

The Seattle Seahawks had the 92nd pick, and they pulled off a stunner by taking Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

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Three picks later, the Cleveland Browns, who had plenty of chances to take Sanders, went with Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

The Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders earlier this offseason and brought in Sam Darnold on a three-year, $100 million.

Milroe isn't very known for his arm, but some scouts say he has some of the best raw athleticism of any quarterback in the NFL Draft.

Gabriel, meanwhile, transferred to Oregon for his final year of NCAA eligibility, and the Ducks were the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. But, they lost to Ohio State, who won the national championship.

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That's now five quarterbacks taken ahead of Sanders, who continues to fall.

The Colorado quarterback said on Thursday night after round one that he "didn't expect" to fall into night two of the draft, so one can only imagine what is going through his mind right now.

Milroe threw for 5,678 yards and ran for 1,257 in his last two years at Alabama. He led his squad to the Rose Bowl after winning the SEC championship in the 2023 season, but they lost to the eventual national champions in Michigan.

Gabriel finished in third place in the Heisman Trophy vote this past season, leading the Big Ten in both completions and attempts. He threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Quinn Ewers is also waiting on his name to be called - which would be as big a shock as anything.

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Shedeur Sanders prank-called during NFL Draft slide by imposter: 'Have to wait a little longer'

The emotional roller coaster for Shedeur Sanders plunged even harder during the second day of the NFL Draft. 

After falling to the third round and getting passed on in favor of two other quarterbacks projected to go much later than Sanders, he fell victim to an ill-timed prank call as the world watched. 

While he and his family live-streamed day two of their NFL Draft party on Twitch Friday night, Sanders was seen answering a phone call that he assumed was from a general manager making the decision to draft him. 

The 23-year-old quarterback had a big smile on his face as he answered and greeted the caller, with friends and family crowding around him. 

"I'm good, been waiting on you," he said. 

But the imposter on the other side told the eager young athlete that he would "have to wait a little longer," as Sanders' smile quickly faded.

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After the call ended, the crowd around Sanders broke out into concerned conversation, as he glared at his phone. 

Sanders has since ended his Twitch stream. 

Sanders' draft slide has been the biggest and most controversial storyline of this year's draft. 

After fellow quarterback Cam Ward out of Miami was selected with the first overall pick on Thursday, experts assumed Sanders would follow soon after as the second quarterback taken. But instead, Jaxson Dart was taken by the Giants late in the first round Tyler Shough was taken by the Saints early in the second. 

Both Dart and Shough were projected to go much later than Sanders by scouts and analysts.

At one point during the quarterback's slide on Thursday, his other brother, NFL safety prospect Shilo Sanders, insisted "something is going on" with Shedeur not being selected, as seen in footage posted by their other brother, Deion Sanders Jr.

"Bro, if they don't take you right now, it's something going on," Shilo said. "If they don't take him right now, it's something going on. I don't know what's going on, but it's something."

NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK MISTAKES THAT SHAPED LEAGUE LANDSCAPE

In additional footage posted by Deion Jr. Thursday night, Shedeur addressed not being taken in a speech to his family when the first night of the draft was over.

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. 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," the quarterback said

"Tomorrow's the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary."

President Donald Trump even joined in on the debate on Friday, when he ripped "stupid" NFL owners for passing on the star Colorado quarterback and allowing him to fall into the second round.

"What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post

"He should be "picked" IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!"

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman joined the debate Friday, suggesting Sanders slid because "America continues to fear strong black men."

"The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur] Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper. They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no O-line and no running game. He’s entitled but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?" Bowman wrote on X. 

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Former Steelers star Ryan Clark has strong reaction to Pittsburgh passing on Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders' fall from the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft remains a hot topic. 

As the second round came and went Friday, the former Colorado quarterback still did not hear his name called. 

While Sanders was widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects entering this year's draft, criticism about his predraft interviews began surfacing leading into Thursday.

Sanders' tendency to hold the ball for extended periods was also scrutinized.

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That and other factors seemingly contributed to chatter that Sanders' stock was dropping ahead of the draft. Although the New York Giants signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, the team was still linked to Sanders. 

But New York opted to trade up for Jaxson Dart.

ESPN star and former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark had a strong reaction to his former team deciding against Sanders when they were on the clock in the first round. 

"What the hell!" Clark said.

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The Steelers used the 21st pick on defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

"Mason Rudolph? Mason Rudolph!?" Clark continued.

"He went to Tennessee and got worse. You know what we're gonna do? Oh, let's wait for Aaron. Wait for Aaron to make a decision. We let Aaron Rodgers hold us hostage like we're a four. We the Pittsburgh Steelers! We're supposed to be acting like a 10. We acting like a four."

Sanders finished the 2024 season with 4,134 passing yards.

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Raiders draft wide receiver Jack Bech, whose brother was killed in New Orleans terror attack

The Las Vegas Raiders again passed on Shedeur Sanders in the second round, but it turned into an emotional moment for another NFL Draft prospect.

With the 58th selection, the Raiders landed TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, who was named the Senior Bowl MVP after his game-winning touchdown.

That magical moment came one month to the day after his brother Tiger was killed in the New Orleans terror attack.

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Tiger, who played college football at Princeton, was one of the 14 victims killed in the early hours of New Year's Day on Bourbon Street. 

The New Orleans native played for Princeton from 2016-2018 and was an All-Ivy League kick returner. During his three-year career, he caught 53 passes for 825 yards with three touchdowns. He graduated from the university in 2021 and pursued a career in finance. 

He was working as a stockbroker in New York City but traveled home to Louisiana for the holidays. 

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Jack scored the walk-off touchdown in the Senior Bowl as time expired.

"My brother has some wings on me. He gave them to me, and he let that all take place. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Tiger, nothing else but them. They're the reason I did what I did today. I attribute it all to them," Jack said after the game.

"It's been surreal just to be able to come and be in this game. It's a goal you set for yourself. But if I had the option if I came here, had the worst week ever, ruin my draft stock, but that means I could hug my brother right now, I would take that. 

"But, on the flip side of that, I don't think I could have had the week that I had if all that wouldn't have happened. His wings were on my side. Him and Jesus Christ are the reasons I was able to do all of this."

After he was selected, cameras caught Jack sharing emotional embraces with his family.

"All the big brother does in life is want to see his little brother succeed. He's been my role model my whole life, the person I looked up to, the person I wanted to be. He was the best big brother I could ever ask for. My whole goal in the rest of my life is to live his legacy on."

Jack caught 62 passes for 1,034 yards, nine of which were touchdowns, for TCU last season. He joins Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, with fellow rookie Ashton Jeanty in the backfield.

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Kelly Stafford weighs in on debate about significant others' inclusion on NFL Draft night

More than 30 prospects realized their NFL dreams Thursday night. Over the next two days, hundreds more will hear their names called as the 2025 NFL Draft continues.

Kelly Stafford, wife of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford, knows what it's like to support a football player during the draft process. Matthew was the top pick in the 2009 draft. 

During a recent edition of her "Morning After" podcast, Kelly was asked about where she was the night her husband was drafted by the Detroit Lions

New York City hosted that year's draft, but Kelly said she was not at the event. She then delved into whether players' significant others should be included on draft night.

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She seemed to argue against NFL prospects having girlfriends with them on the big day.

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"I don’t see why guys do it because, if they do get drafted, and you have all your family, and you’re in the draft, and you have your girlfriend and the girlfriend's in the draft pics. And then, all of the sudden, the girlfriend’s gone. You don’t have draft pictures without a random girl, and I know she’s not random when you’re taking it, but she might be random eventually. Do you know what I mean? It’s a serious thing to consider," Kelly said.

The Staffords tied the knot in 2015 and share four daughters.

Later during the podcast, Kelly mentioned how sometimes couples debate whether to include a sibling's partner in the wedding party if the couple is not engaged.

"It’s like having your brother’s girlfriend in your wedding when they’re not engaged. And then, all of a sudden, do you know what I mean? You have all these photos with your family and the brother’s girlfriend — and not mine, because mine [brother Chad Hall] got married to [sister-in-law] Rose, so we were good. Like, what happens if Rose didn’t marry Chad, and she’s in all my wedding photos," Kelly said.

Matthew spent the first 12 years of his career with the Lions. The Rams acquired Stafford in a blockbuster trade that sent Jared Goff to Detroit.

While the "Morning After" podcast does occasionally touch on football, Stafford and co-host Henry Winchester tackle a wide range of other topics, including navigating friendships and parenting.  

"I'm very vulnerable throughout this podcast," explained Kelly, "because I feel safe in this community, which is why I love it."

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Shedeur Sanders passed over by Saints for Tyler Shough in NFL Draft's second round as stunning slide continues

Shedeur Sanders' draft tumble continues. 

After falling out of the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday, Sanders wasn't even the first quarterback taken in the second round Friday.

The New Orleans Saints chose former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick.

It came as a surprise to many when the Saints passed on Sanders in the first round with the ninth overall pick, as the 23-year-old Colorado Star's slide became more pronounced after falling past the Saints. But the move to pick Shough over Sanders in the second round was an even bigger shock to fans on social media.

Sanders was projected by some to contend for the No. 1 overall pick this year. Shough was projected by some to be the fifth-best quarterback in the draft. 

Many fans on social media were quick to post lowlights of Shough's passing ability, while critisizing the Saints' decision. 

But the Saints thought otherwise, and pulled the trigger on the underdog Shough with a hole at quarterback going into the 2025. 

The situation surrounding Saints' veteran Derek Carr has led to many questions over the past several weeks. What began as reports about a potential shoulder injury that required surgery was seemingly confirmed by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis only Wednesday when he said that Carr does have a shoulder "issue." 

NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK MISTAKES THAT SHAPED LEAGUE LANDSCAPE

So, Sanders continues to wait, while the NFL's owners and general managers explore other options. 

Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump ripped "stupid" NFL owners for passing on the star Colorado quarterback and allowing him to fall into the second round.

"What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post

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"He should be "picked" IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!"

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman joined the debate Friday, suggesting Sanders slid because "America continues to fear strong black men."

"The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur] Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper. They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no O-line and no running game. He’s entitled but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?" Bowman wrote on X. 

"He’s not athletic, but that didn’t stop Joe Montana, Drew Brees or Tom Brady. America continues to fear strong black men who come from means and have a strong sense of themselves without submitting to the 'dominant' culture."

At one point during the quarterback's slide on Thursday, his other brother, NFL safety prospect Shilo Sanders, insisted "something is going on" with Shedeur not being selected, as seen in footage posted by their other brother, Deion Sanders Jr.

"Bro, if they don't take you right now, it's something going on," Shilo said. "If they don't take him right now, it's something going on. I don't know what's going on, but it's something."

In additional footage posted by Deion Jr. Thursday night, Shedeur addressed not being taken in a speech to his family when the first night of the draft was over.

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. 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," the quarterback said

"Tomorrow's the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary."

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Trump administration launches probe into New York agency for its ban on Native American sports mascots

The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into the New York Department of Education (NYDOE) Friday over a Long Island high school's mascot. 

The NYDOE banned Native American-inspired logos and mascots for high school sports teams, which has made Massapequa School District on Long Island a target due to its continued use of the Chiefs mascot name. 

A 2022 mandate by the NYDOE demands that all public schools retire Native American mascots or risk losing state funding. Four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, filed a lawsuit challenging the order, but a federal judge dismissed the case.

Now, the Trump administration is getting involved. 

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"The U.S. Department of Education will not stand by as the state of New York attempts to rewrite history and deny the town of Massapequa the right to celebrate its heritage in its schools," U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in an announcement Friday. 

"While New York chooses to prioritize erasing Native Americans, their rich history and their deep connection to the state, it is requiring schools to divert time and resources away from what really matters: educating our students. It is not lost on the Department that there are several mascots that refer to indigenous or ethnic groups — the Vikings, Fighting Irish, the Cowboys — and yet New York has specifically singled out Native American heritage. We will investigate this matter fully." 

TRUMP SPEAKS OUT AGAINST SPORTS TEAMS ABANDONING NATIVE AMERICAN NAMES

The announcement of the investigation claims the Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA) filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR).  

The NAGA claims the New York Board of Regents is violating federal civil rights law by forcing the Massapequa School District to eliminate its Chiefs mascot based on its association with Native American culture. 

"The Native American Guardian's Association stands firm in asserting that the preservation of Native themes and imagery in New York public schools is not only a matter of cultural dignity but a fundamental civil right for all students. We call on federal and state leaders to help us defend these dwindling expressions of our presence and contributions," said Frank Blackcloud, vice president of NAGA.

"Maintaining a respectable presence in NY State schools is vital to educational equity, historical truth and the civil rights of all American Indians." 

The president of the Massapequa Board of Education is quoted in the announcement thanking Trump's administration for getting involved.

"We thank the Department of Education and the Trump Administration for standing with Massapequa in our effort to preserve the Chiefs name and honor our community’s proud history. We’re especially grateful to the Native American Guardian's Association for its support and advocacy," Watcher said. 

"Attempts to erase Native American imagery do not advance learning. They distract from our core mission of providing a high-quality education grounded in respect, history and community values."

Trump previously spoke out in support of the school's right to maintain its name. 

"I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population. The School Board, and virtually everyone in the area, are demanding the name be kept. It has become the School’s identity and, what could be wrong with using the name, ‘Chief’? I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!"

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President Trump's handshake, evaluation of Grey Zabel resurfaces after Seahawks draft him in first round

The Seattle Seahawks bolstered their offensive line Thursday by selecting Grey Zabel in the first round of the draft.

The former North Dakota State standout will soon be tasked with protecting first-year Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold

But as attention shifts to Zabel's future, his past interaction with President Donald Trump is also coming back into focus.

Zabel and his North Dakota teammates visited Washington, D.C., April 9 in celebration of the football team's latest NCAA Division I FCS national championship.

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Before making their way to the White House, a few delegates and a special guest, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., delivered some remarks. Some Bison football players then reflected on their run to the title.

Once they made it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., President Trump eventually met the football team in the East Room. Trump addressed the North Dakota State players and posed for photos. At one point during the interaction, Zabel's teammates pointed him out. 

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"Who is the best player? Let's see, who are they pointing at?" Trump asked. "Biggest guy? Come here."

Zabel then approached the president and shook his hand. 

"Is he that good?" Trump asked. "Wow. Boy, he's a big sucker huh?"

Trump then asked what position Zabel played, and the 305-pound lineman replied, "Offensive line."

North Dakota State's football team also visited the White House during Trump's first term.

Zabel started 41 games in five seasons at every position on the offensive line except center. He was an FCS All-American at left tackle as a senior last season.

The 23-year-old started the final 36 games of his collegiate career and figures to slot in on the interior of the Seahawks' line, which is in need of help. Zabel could quickly replace Seattle's starting left guard from last season, Laken Tomlinson, who is now a member of the Houston Texans.

The Seahawks are optimistic Zabel can be part of the solution for an offensive line that struggled mightily in 2024. Last season, the Seahawks surrendered 54 sacks, tied for third most in the NFL. The Seahawks, who went 10-7 last season and won the NFC West, ran the vast majority of their plays out of the shotgun formation.

The versatile Zabel could slot in at any of the five starting offensive line positions, but coach Mike Macdonald said he would start out at guard.

"Hopefully, we find a home for him at one position, and he lives there for a really long time for us," Macdonald said. "But I think it just speaks to his savvy. It’s not easy to find those guys that can play interior and at tackle. So, he’s one of them, and he’s ours now."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Former Dem congressman suggests Shedeur Sanders fell in NFL Draft because 'America fears strong black men'

After NFL quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday, many critics debated why on social media. 

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman joined the debate Friday, suggesting the reason Sanders slid was because "America continues to fear strong black men." Bowman also compared the 23-year-old quarterback to former NFL star Eli Manning, who refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after being selected with the No. 1 pick in 2004. 

"The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur]Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper. They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no O-line and no running game. He’s entitled but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?" Bowman wrote on X. 

"He’s not athletic, but that didn’t stop Joe Montana, Drew Brees or Tom Brady. America continues to fear strong black men who come from means and have a strong sense of themselves without submitting to the 'dominant' culture."

NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK MISTAKES THAT SHAPED LEAGUE LANDSCAPE

Bowman added in the video that he expects the Cleveland Browns to select Sanders with the first pick of the second round Friday night. 

"It's the way Shedeur dresses. It's the way he talks, and it's his culture, in my opinion. You see him at the draft last night. He's wearing all black. He got the L chain on, and he talks like a rapper," Bowman said. 

The first player selected in the draft was former Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who is also Black. Twenty-five of the 32 players selected in the first round Friday were Black men.

Broadcasts of the draft offered regular shots from inside the Sanders household in Texas as the family waited for Shedeur's name to be called. 

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The shots showed the family had installed a multi-layer shelf that included a cap for all 32 NFL teams. But the 23-year-old aspiring pro did not get to put any of them on in celebration Thursday. 

At one point during the quarterback's slide, his other brother, NFL safety prospect Shilo Sanders, insisted "something is going on" with Shedeur not being selected. 

"Bro, if they don't take you right now, it's something going on," Shilo said. "If they don't take him right now, it's something going on. I don't know what's going on, but it's something."

In footage posted by Deion Jr., Shedeur addressed not being taken in a speech to his family when the first night of the draft was over.

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. 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," the quarterback said

"Tomorrow's the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary."

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Trump says Shedeur Sanders should be drafted 'immediately;' NFL owners 'stupid' for passing on him

General managers may not be fans of Shedeur Sanders, at least for a first-round pick, but the president is.

President Donald Trump ripped "stupid" NFL owners for passing on the Colorado star quarterback and letting him fall into the second round.

"What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post

"He should be "picked" IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!"

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Sanders, at one point, was considered to be the 1B to Cam Ward’s 1A. Ward separated himself, and went first overall to the Tennessee Titans.

But, in recent days, it was becoming apparent that teams did not love Sanders – the Raiders took Ashton Jeanty at six, and the Saints went with Kelvin Banks Jr. at nine, officially starting the Sanders fall.

All eyes were on the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21. But as no one traded up in front of them, the Steelers’ selection came and went without a QB – they opted for Derrick Harmon.

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The New York Giants traded back in to the first round, but they opted for Jaxson Dart instead.

The Cleveland Browns own the first and fourth selections of the second round, and they are in quarterback hell with Deshaun Watson, already struggling, recovering from a twice ruptured Achilles.

The former University of Colorado star admitted that he and his family "did not expect" what occurred on Thursday night.

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. 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," the quarterback said

"Tomorrow's the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary."

The NFL Draft begins at 7 p.m. ET Friday.

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Warren Moon gives Titans' No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward his retired jersey number

The Tennessee Titans' selection of Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick of the NFL Draft Thursday was not a surprise. 

What was a surprise was Warren Moon showing up to Ward’s introductory news conference Friday to give the Titans rookie permission to wear his No. 1 retired jersey number. 

Titans' general manager Mike Borgonzi was with Ward at the podium when he told Ward of a special guest. 

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Moon then entered the room holding a Ward Titans jersey with the No. 1 and handed Ward the jersey. 

Moon played 10 seasons with the Houston Oilers, who later became the Titans. The Pro Football Hall of Famer played in the NFL 17 seasons and made the Pro Bowl nine times. 

The Titans hope Ward follows Moon to the Hall of Fame. 

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Miami went 10-3 last season with Ward under center. He completed 67.2% of his passes for 4,313 yards, and he led the ACC with 39 passing touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions. 

Will Levis was the Titans' starting quarterback last season, and he and the team struggled.

The Titans went 3-14 in Brian Callahan’s first season as head coach. 

Entering the season, the team hoped Levis would take a jump after he started nine games at quarterback in his rookie year and showed some promise.

However, Levis played poorly as the team went 2-10 in his 12 starts. He completed 63.1% of his passes for 2,091 yards and threw 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. As Levis continued to struggle, it became apparent the team would be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. 

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Mother of Steelers' first-round pick dies shortly after he visits her in hospital to reveal selection: report

After Derrick Harmon was the 21st overall pick Thursday, the newest Pittsburgh Steeler had to break the news to his mother.

Harmon was unable to watch the draft with his mother because she was on life support in a hospital.

Harmon said getting drafted was "bittersweet" because he couldn't spend it with his mom. 

Right after being selected, Harmon traveled to a hospital to visit his mother, Tiffany Saine, and tell her "her son got drafted."

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According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Saine died shortly after.

Harmon, a defensive tackle, was taken by the Steelers.

Harmon said his mother had a stroke when he was a freshman at Michigan State, which left her paralyzed on her left side. She had "about eight brain surgeries," Harmon said.

"She's the reason I'm here. She's the reason I did everything up to this point," Harmon said.

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Harmon also said he used his NIL money to buy his mother an accessible van.

"Man, how resilient she was, man. Just growing up from my standpoint, my situation, I grew up with her having probably seven, eight brain surgeries," Harmon said after being selected. "And after all those brain surgeries, man, she did not give up. 

"She still took me to practice, still went to work. Always the back in my head from the beginning of my college career was, 'Why can't I keep going? If I'm tired, I'm injured, whatever it is, why can't I keep going, if she can get up and she can keep going after brain surgeries.'

"So just her resilience and her hard work, really. She was my inspiration."

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Harmon spent three seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon, where he blossomed into a disruptive force. Harmon was a second-team All-American last season while finishing with five sacks and 10½ tackles for loss for the Ducks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Shedeur Sanders' brother shares Eagles legend's outrage over Giants' NFL Draft QB decision

The New York Giants appeared to ruffle feathers among Deion Sanders' family during the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday.

The Giants' decision to trade into the bottom of the first round for a quarterback but pass on Shedeur Sanders in favor of Jaxson Dart was one of the more controversial moments of the night. Sanders was projected to be a much higher pick months ahead of the draft and was even considered the leading candidate to go No. 1 overall by some. 

Shedeur's brother, Deion Sanders Jr., shared a post on X by former Eagles star LeSean McCoy, who mocked the Giants for their decision to take Dart. 

"This is crazy !!! No wonder the GAINTS DONT WIN SH……" McCoy wrote. 

NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK MISTAKES THAT SHAPED LEAGUE LA

Deion Jr. then re-shared several bible quotes he posted earlier Friday and sent a cryptic message that said, "The REJECTED WILL BE RESPECTED."

Broadcasts of the draft offered regular shots from inside the Sanders household in Texas as the family waited for Shedeur's name to be called. 

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The shots showed the family had installed a multi-layer shelf that included a cap for all 32 NFL teams. But the 23-year-old aspiring pro did not get to put any of them on in celebration Thursday. 

At one point during the quarterback's slide, his other brother, NFL safety prospect Shilo Sanders, insisted "something is going on" with Shedeur not being selected. 

"Bro, if they don't take you right now, it's something going on," Shilo said. "If they don't take him right now, it's something going on. I don't know what's going on, but it's something."

In footage posted by Deion Jr., Shedeur addressed not being taken in a speech to his family when the first night of the draft was over.

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. 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," the quarterback said

"Tomorrow's the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary."

Shedeur's NFL value was questioned in the weeks leading up to the draft amid concerns about his character. 

An anonymous NFL coach recently told the NFL Network Sanders was "the worst formal interview I've ever been in in my life." 

"He's so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates," the coach added. "But the biggest thing is he's not that good." 

Another longtime AFC executive echoed that sentiment, telling the outlet, "It didn't go great in our interview. He wants to dictate what he's going to do and what's best for him. He makes you feel small." 

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Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas' son out of induced coma after serious car accident: report

Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is reportedly out of his induced coma some 24 hours after being involved in a serious car accident.

Arenas, 18, remained intubated, but the development in his recovery has been "remarkable and hopeful," an Arenas family rep said, according to TMZ Sports

Arenas was traveling in his Tesla Cybertruck shortly before 5 a.m. on Thursday in Los Angeles when the crash occurred, per reports. 

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Arenas' family shared a statement from one of the people who helped him out of the car after the wreck. 

"I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick," the person said via TMZ Sports

ALIJAH ARENAS, SON OF EX-NBA STAR GILBERT ARENAS, IN INDUCED COMA AFTER SERIOUS VEHICLE CRASH: REPORTS

"That’s when I realized someone was inside. I tried to break the window, but it wouldn't give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough, and we used everything we had to bend it and pull him out. The car was on fire. We just knew we had to get him out."

Arenas recently committed to the USC Trojans' men's basketball team. 

Arenas was one of the top-ranked shooting guards in the class of 2026, and recently reclassified as a senior to allow him to graduate high school in 2025 and go to college a year earlier.

His father, Gilbert Arenas, played in the NBA for 12 seasons. He was a three-time All-Star and spent eight seasons with the Washington Wizards, two with the Golden State Warriors and one season each with the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies. 

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Patriots' first-round pick pays tribute to former LSU teammate Kyren Lacy at NFL Draft: 'Special human being'

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

It was an emotional night for Will Campbell, the fourth overall selection in the NFL Draft Thursday.

The New England Patriots nabbed the LSU offensive lineman to protect Drake Maye, and Campbell couldn't help but hold back tears.

"It means everything to me," Campbell said. "I'm gonna fight and die to protect them with everything I got."

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But something else was on his mind on draft night. His former LSU teammate, Kyren Lacy, died last week from a self-inflicted gunshot.

At the draft, Campbell wore a pin with Lacy's No. 2 on his lapel.

"Kyren is a special human being. I feel for his family. They've been through a lot lately. He's got such a great family. He was not only a good football player. He was such a good teammate, a good son, a good older brother and just a good dude in general," Campbell said.

"It's just terrible, everything that's happened. I'm sending many prayers to his family because he was gonna get his name called this weekend. … Even though his name won't be called, he's going to walk across that stage. He's here with us in spirit, and it was an honor to be a part of his journey."

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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received a call about a man, identified as Lacy, who was arguing with a family member when he shot a gun into the ground, according to FOX 26 Houston. Officials learned Lacy had fled and launched a search after him.

Officials said deputies tried to pull over Lacy, but he led them on a car chase that went on for miles. Lacy then crashed his vehicle in Spring, according to authorities.

Responding deputies removed Lacy from the vehicle to take him into custody, but he was found with a "self-inflicted gunshot wound" and pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said.

The wide receiver was under investigation in Louisiana for a crash in December that left a 78-year-old man dead, officials said in January. 

Lacy transferred to LSU in 2022. He had his best season in 2024, when he had 58 catches for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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NFL hopeful returns to draft as prospect nearly 10 years after stepping on stage to announce Dolphins pick

Nine years after Mitchell Van Vooren announced a Miami Dolphins pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, he hopes to hear his own name called at some point before the final selection in this year's draft is made on Saturday.

Van Vooren announced UCLA tight end Thomas Duarte as the Dolphins' seventh-round pick in 2016. Now almost a decade later, Van Vooren is in the 2025 NFL Draft as a tight end himself. 

Van Vooren did not play football throughout his college career, however, as he started off as a track star. 

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Before Van Vooren transferred to St. Norbert to play football, he received four varsity letters from Marquette in track. He qualified for the NCAA Division I West Regional in the 400-meter hurdles and broke the school record with a time of 51.38 seconds. 

He placed 18th in the NCAA West Quarterfinals with a time of 51.75 seconds.  

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After track at Marquette, Van Vooren played football for two seasons at St. Norbert. Over 22 games, he caught 65 passes for 1,045 yards with 13 touchdowns. 

Despite having played just those 22 collegiate games, Van Vooren’s success on the field earned him workouts with the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, per NFL Network

"Whether I get drafted or sign as a free agent, the goal is just to get a foot in the door," Van Vooren said via Marquette Today

To add to what would already be an incredible story, Van Vooren grew up in Marinette, Wisconsin, about an hour away from where the NFL Draft is being held at Lambeau Field, and where his name could be called. 

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Deion Sanders encourages son to ‘enjoy this lesson’ after NFL Draft drama: ‘God ain’t done’

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders shared a message on social media Friday morning after his son, Shedeur Sanders, went undrafted in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night. 

Sanders has long backed his son against criticism that has followed the young quarterback in the lead-up to this week’s draft. Friday morning was no different after the drama that unfolded in Green Bay the previous night. 

"My bible says God uses the foolish things to confound the wise & he chose the weak things of the world that he may put to shame the strong," Sanders said in a post on X. 

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"Please know God ain't done & God is just really getting started. Enjoy this lesson & stop stressing." 

Shedeur was a projected first-round pick heading into the week. Among the projected landing spots were the New York Giants, who had the third overall pick, and the New Orleans Saints, who had the No. 9 pick.

When both teams moved in different directions, the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 seemed like the next viable option. But Shedeur’s name again remained on the board. 

UNDRAFTED SHEDEUR SANDERS, DEION SANDERS SHADE BROWNS’ JOE FLACCO AMID NFL DRAFT FREE FALL

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like, with God, anything possible, everything possible," Shedeur told a crowd full of supporters after the first round concluded. "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."

Shedeur faced increasing criticism in the lead-up to the draft. One longtime NFL assistant coach recently told the NFL Network Sanders was "the worst formal interview I've ever been in in my life." 

"He's so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates," the coach continued. "But the biggest thing is, he's not that good." 

The draft resumes Friday at 7 p.m. ET. 

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Rickea Jackson posts 6-word response to viral videos suggesting she was with James Pearce Jr. during NFL Draft

Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson seemed to raise some eyebrows during the opening round of the NFL Draft. 

Videos circulated across social media Thursday night that apparently showed the 24-year-old WNBA player sitting next to the former Tennessee football star James Pearce Jr. 

Moments after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walked to the draft stage's podium in Green Bay to announce the Atlanta Falcons were using the 26th overall pick to select Pearce, cameras switched to the pass rusher's home in North Carolina.

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Jackson appeared to smile, wrap an arm around Pearce and rub his leg as the football player's family and friends celebrated the special moment.

Rumors about a romance between Jackson and Pearce have swirled for more than a year. Both athletes attended the University of Tennessee.

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Jackson eventually caught wind of the viral videos and took to X to issue a response to the chatter. 

"Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow," she wrote on X late Friday night. 

The post had drawn more than 1.7 million views as of Friday afternoon.

Jackson's response was met with some skepticism, while others took notice of the apparent humor in the Sparks star's message.

Jackson's NCAA basketball career began at Mississippi State. She eventually transferred to Tennessee, where she rose to stardom during her two seasons as a member of the Lady Vols. The Sparks drafted Jackson in the first round in 2024. She averaged 13.4 points per game during her rookie WNBA season. 

The Falcons had the NFL's second-lowest sack total last season. Pearce finished his final season with Tennessee with 7½ sacks. 

But the Falcons gave up significant draft capital to get back into the first round Thursday night to pick Pearce. 

Atlanta sent the Los Angeles Rams second-round and seventh-round picks in this year's draft and the team's first-round selection in 2026. In addition to the rights to the 26th overall pick, the Rams sent their third-round pick this year to the Falcons.

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Undrafted Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders shade Browns’ Joe Flacco amid NFL Draft free fall

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and his son Shedeur Sanders, a projected first-round pick, seemingly threw shade at veteran NFL quarterback Joe Flacco on Thursday night – despite being skipped over by all 32 teams on the first day of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The biggest storyline, heading into Thursday, was which team would draft the former Colorado standout. The New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers were among the biggest contenders. 

Also in the mix were the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled at the quarterback position since the arrival of Deshaun Watson. Watson’s season-ending injury last year and eventual reinjury prompted the team to negotiate a trade for Kenny Pickett and bring back Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco. 

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Drafting a quarterback was certainly on the table for the Browns with the No. 2 overall pick, but Cleveland traded back to the No. 5 spot and selected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. 

But it appears that not everyone was impressed with the decision.

In a video shared on social media by Sander’s other son, Deion Sanders Jr., Sanders and Shedeur were seen discussing the Browns’ quarterback arsenal. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the video was captured before or after the Browns selected Graham. 

SHEDEUR SANDERS AND FAMILY STUNNED AFTER FALLING OUT OF FIRST ROUND IN NFL DRAFT: 'WE ALL DIDN’T EXPECT THIS'

"I’ll tell you who they got," Sheduer said in the video. 

"Who? Joe Flacco," Sanders responded. 

"They got Joe Flacoo," Sheduer reiterated. 

"Joe Flacco’s my age," Sanders quipped before later adding, "I like Flacco." 

Sheduer’s shocking slide out of the first round was something even he didn’t expect. 

"We all didn't expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. 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," he said to the crowd full of supporters. 

"Tomorrow's the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary."

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Vikings great Adrian Peterson arrested on DWI charge after appearing at team’s NFL Draft celebration

Former Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson was arrested in Minnesota early Friday morning on a DWI charge, hours after he had appeared as a special guest for the team’s draft party celebrations at U.S. Bank Stadium. 

Peterson, 40, was arrested by the Minnesota State Highway Patrol in the early-morning hours on Friday and is facing a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge of driving while impaired, according to online records from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. 

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TMZ Sports reported that the one-time league MVP was pulled over at around 3:20 a.m. after law enforcement saw him traveling 83 mph in a 55-mph zone. According to the report, the arresting officer suspected that Peterson was driving while intoxicated. 

According to a report, his blood alcohol level was .14 – well over the legal limit of .08.  

VIKINGS' AARON JONES DOWNPLAYS AGE, RECALLS 'TRYING TO GET OLDER WOMEN' WHEN YOUNGER

Peterson, a future Hall of Famer, was one of the Vikings' most dominant players in franchise history. A seven-time All-Pro, Peterson spent 10 seasons with the Vikings where he was named league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in the same season. He led the league in yards rushing three times and rushing touchdowns twice. 

Peterson celebrated the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at the Vikings' stadium on Thursday night. 

According to online records, Peterson was released two hours after being booked on a $4,000 bond. He is due back in court on May 9. 

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