Colorado coach Deion Sanders has decided to take a step back from controversial remarks about six NFL teams his sons can play for.
Initially, while featuring on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Sanders had indicated specific football teams which he would prefer his children, Shilo and Shedeur, as well as Colorado's Travis Hunter to be drafted by.
A conversation started buzzing after Sanders dared to "pull an Eli". This was in reference to Eli Manning and his father's situation during the NFL Draft. They had expressed their disagreement over a possible move to San Diego.
Manning and his dad then made a decision to request an immediate trade from the Chargers to New York. It ended up being a clever move as he spent a remarkable 16 years with the Giants, clinching two Super Bowls.
READ MORE: Deion Sanders suffers blow as star eyes Colorado exit in transfer portal
READ MORE: Deion Sanders pinpoints when Colorado recruits proved their worth even before committing
In the same vein, Sanders' believed that not all places will be ideal for Hunter, Shilo or Shedeur. Among the preferred options put forward were the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and the Baltimore Ravens. However, he has now rescinded these statements during an interview with Romi Bean, where he clarified his position.
"That’s a bold-faced lie," said Sanders. "That’s a stupid lie. I have more than six owners that are friends. I have more than six GMs that are friends. I know a lot of people, c’mon! I would never do that. If I was that stupid, I wouldn’t disclose the teams I would want them to play for, I would disclose the several that I wouldn’t… That’s stupidity."
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Previously, the Colorado coach did earmark Atlanta as a location he felt would suit his sons, as he used his own experiences in the NFL. He said: "There were certain cities that fit. Atlanta fit. And I want that for my kids. All of them. I want the right fit."
He elaborated on his stance, pointing out that Atlanta's diversity was a significant draw: "First of all it was the ethnicity because that was the first time I saw Black people in positions of authority [doctors, lawyers]… It blew my mind… It was real in Atlanta. I had never seen anything like that in my life."
Moreover, he mentioned that climate is also a consideration when thinking about potential locations, as he shared with Sirius XM Mad Dog Radio and Chris Russo: "Like, I don’t want my kid [Shedeur] going nowhere cold next year. He grew up in Texas. He played in Jackson, played in Colorado. Season’s over before it gets cold in Colorado. I’m just thinking way ahead. I don’t want that for him."
It's been suggested that as many as 11 NFL team cities could be classified as "cold" destinations, which Sanders seems to be discounting. These include Chicago, Green Bay, Kansas City, Buffalo, New Jersey (home to both the Jets and Giants), Washington, Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Denver.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.