Shedeur Sanders Follows Deion Sanders' Footsteps With Panini NFL Trading Card Release

Like his father, Colorado coach Deion Sanders, former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is cut from a different cloth. Growing up as the son of one of the most electrifying athletes in sports history meant Shedeur’s life was always going to be unique. From the cameras, and the expectations, to the whispers of comparisons, he’s never had the option of flying under the radar.

But being raised by “Coach Prime” also came with purpose. From an early age, Deion groomed his son for the spotlight he believed was inevitable. Whether by osmosis or intention, Shedeur absorbed a quiet, unwavering confidence that’s helped him stand tall under pressure.

Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) scrambles in the pocked during the first half against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

That self-assurance helped carry him through Jackson State, then Colorado, and eventually to the NFL—though the road hasn’t always been smooth.

Since his unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur has become a lightning rod in football discourse. Some critics pointed to his bold personality and brand-first mindset, symbolized by his 2Legendary brand and now-signature celebration, “The Shedeur.”

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Others questioned his NFL Combine attire and raised concerns from late reports about how he came across in pre-draft interviews.

But to understand Shedeur, you have to understand the world he came from and the example he grew up following.

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In a resurfaced throwback video released by Panini America, a young Shedeur Sanders appears on his father’s lap after Deion signs baseball cards at home.

“Let me see your autograph, man,” Deion says after calling him over to sit on his lap. “It’s horrible,” Shedeur sheepishly admits before scribbling an “S” with a dollar sign. “Don’t sign mine,” Deion interrupts his son. “Let me see yours.” Without hesitation, Shedeur replies, “That is mine.”

14 years ago Coach Prime had Shedeur Sanders practicing his autograph in a Panini interview

Today Shedeur Sanders signed a exclusive autograph trading card deal with Panini 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dbMhVMyYoX
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) April 16, 2025

It’s a candid, telling moment—an early glimpse into a life raised on legacy.

Years later, that moment resurfaced at the perfect time. After signing an exclusive deal with Panini America in April, Shedeur was shown the old video during an interview. He couldn’t help but grin.

“Yeah, he started us from a young age, man,” he said. “What could you expect? He’s greatness. He expects greatness for us. So, that’s what it is.”

Sep 11, 1997; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO: Dallas Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders (21) celebrating as he scores a touchdown on an interception against the Chicago Bears at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-Imagn Images | James D. Smith-Imagn Images

This weekend, that legacy took another step forward.

At the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, Shedeur suited up in his new Cleveland Browns uniform for the first time. There, he took part in a professional photo shoot that would become his debut NFL trading card—produced, printed, and handed to him within minutes by Panini’s on-site team. The turnaround was so fast that it caught him off guard.

“How did y’all already do this?” he asked, astonished, as he held the card bearing his first image in the NFL just minutes after the shoot.

📸 ➡️ #RatedRookie @ShedeurSanders got a special delivery of his very own 1 of 1 of his first Panini Rookie Card in his new uniform from the @NFLPA #RookiePremiere.#WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/RbYaw2ZmFC
— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) May 18, 2025

But what may have seemed like just a cool rookie moment was more than that. For Shedeur Sanders, this wasn’t just another brand deal. It was a reminder of where he came from and the expectations he still carries as the legacy of an NFL legend.

Now, like his father before him, Shedeur’s signature is etched into the trading card world. And while the ink is dry on his first rookie card, his NFL story is still being written—one that Cleveland fans hope becomes just as legendary as his fathers.