Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has found himself at the center of a fiery debate among NFL players following his recent pro day performance. The topic? His distinctive habit of “patting” the ball before throwing—a quirk that has divided opinions across the league and ignited discussions about its potential impact on his professional career.
Sanders, widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class, showcased his skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives during Colorado’s pro day on April 4, 2025. While his accuracy and poise impressed many—he reportedly completed 58 of 63 passes with only three drops—his tendency to pat the ball with both hands before releasing it caught the attention of players and analysts alike.
New York Jets safety Andre Cisco was among the first to weigh in, taking to X to issue a blunt warning: “Boy better stop patting that ball, we breakin onnat earlyyyy.” Cisco’s comment suggested that defensive backs could exploit the extra split-second Sanders takes, potentially leading to interceptions or disrupted plays in the NFL’s fast-paced environment.
However, not everyone sees it as a flaw. New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton quickly came to Sanders’ defense, dismissing the criticism as overblown. “I promise he can pat the ball and be just fine if [defensive backs] was so good at breaking on ball pats they’d all have 8+ picks a year,” Slayton posted on X. “Same guys that fall for a 2 man dagger concept and give up the dig on 3rd&long every season all season long talkin bout a ball pat what a joke.” Slayton’s retort implied that Sanders’ habit is a minor detail unlikely to derail his success, especially if opposing defenses fail to capitalize on it consistently.
The debate escalated when Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons entered the fray. Parsons, known for his outspoken takes, disagreed with Slayton’s stance and took issue with comparisons to legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who also patted the ball at times during his storied career. “Comparing the greatest quarterback ever to Sanders is why I’ll never entertain a football conversation with you!! Like what are we doing here??” Parsons fired back on X. For Parsons, the issue isn’t just the act itself but the context—suggesting Sanders’ overall readiness for the NFL might not yet match Brady’s proven mastery.
The back-and-forth reflects a broader divide in how Sanders is perceived as he transitions from college to the pros. Critics argue that patting the ball could slow his release, giving elite NFL defenses an edge in reading and reacting to his throws. Supporters, meanwhile, point out that many successful quarterbacks have had unique pre-throw habits, and Sanders’ college stats—71.8% completion rate, 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions over two seasons at Colorado—speak to his ability to perform under pressure.
Adding fuel to the discussion, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III called out what he sees as a double standard in the scrutiny Sanders faces. “Some NFL Media- ‘Shedeur Sanders patting the ball before he throws is a MASSIVE problem.’ People with Common Sense- ‘Tom Brady patted the ball before he threw it,'” Griffin posted on X. “Stop the hate already.”
Sanders himself appeared unfazed by the controversy. Speaking to ESPN after his pro day, he emphasized his consistency as his defining trait. “What’s the most important trait of a quarterback? Consistency?” Sanders said. “All I need is an opportunity. Simple. Whatever franchise wants to change their franchise, then it’s no doubt who to go with.”