Deion Sanders Reacts to Colorado Buffaloes in NFL Before Roster Cuts

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders has made his mark on the program in a multitude of ways, one of which being the amount of talent that Colorado has sent to the NFL under "Coach Prime."

Deion Sanders Reacts to Cleveland Browns Quarterback News

News of the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback over fellow Cleveland signal-caller and former Buffs star Shedeur Sanders has grabbed headlines during the NFL preseason, and Deion Sanders revealed his thoughts on the situation. The Colorado coach talked about a number of former Buffaloes currently on NFL rosters, and he ended his summary with a succinct stance on his son, Shedeur Sanders, losing out on the starting quarterback job to Watson.

"And we all know what's transpiring with Shedeur although he's playing extremely well," said Sanders.

deion sanders shedeur sanders cleveland browns quarterback job deshaun watson jimmy horn jr lajohntay wester colorado buffs — Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) acknowledges fans after the game between the Browns and the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In addition, "Coach Prime" highlighted former Colorado stars like wide receivers Will Sheppard, LaJohntay Wester, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Xavier Weaver all making noise in the NFL preseason. On the other side of the ball, former Colorado defenders like Jacksonville Jaguars defensive backs Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig and Preston Hodge as well as Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Amari McNeill.

"Right now, 20 players on NFL rosters through the second week of preseason play," said Sanders. "Will Sheppard did his thing in Green Bay against Denver. LaJohntay, definitely one of my favorites, Florida boy doing his thing. Jimmy Horn, also another one of my favorites had a big plays for Carolina, including the 39-yard run."

"Cam had four tackles, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig for Jacksonville. Preston Hodge created a quarterback hit. Isaiah Oliver, I have no idea who that is, from before my time, had an interception. He's still a CU guy, so I got love for him. Weave (Xavier Weaver), love me some Weave. Returned a couple punts. Amari McNeill got a sack, go ahead Amari," Sanders said.

deion sanders shedeur sanders cleveland browns quarterback job deshaun watson jimmy horn lajohntay wester colorado buffaloes — Jacksonville Jaguars safety Jalen Huskey (22) tap tackles defensive back Cam'ron Silmon-Craig (42) during Day 11 of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Colorado Buffaloes in NFL Preseason

As mentioned by "Coach Prime," Sheduer Sanders has shown signs of progress in his second year in Cleveland. In two preseason games, Sanders finished with a higher completion percentage and quarterback rating than Watson despite being named the backup. Still, with Watson's performance in the Browns' latest preseason game, combined with his comments after the game, many expect Sanders to see the field at some point during the regular season.

Meanwhile, former targets of Sanders at Colorado, Carolina Panthers receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester are carving out roles for themselves after being taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. The biggest surprise, however, might be current Green Bay receiver and former Colorado star Will Sheppard.

Sheppard went undrafted after playing one season under "Coach Prime" in Boulder, and his initial contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers never materialized after a failed physical. He landed with the Packers, and in Green Bay's latest preseason game, Sheppard led the team with 6 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.

With his performance, Sheppard may be the next former Buff to crack onto a 53-man NFL roster.

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