Shedeur Sanders ‘legendary’ draft party speech: Colorado QB says first-round slide ‘happened for a reason’

As Thursday turned to Friday and the dust settled on the first round of the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders remained without a home.

Few expected Sanders to last until the second round, even after plenty of buzz leading up to the draft that he was at high risk of falling. Sanders himself didn’t expect the slide, and he said as much in his first comments since the draft started.

Sanders addressed his family and friends at his draft party in Texas on Thursday night. That party will continue into Friday, but it won’t be nearly as merry as the Sanders camp expected.

made a splash trade to move back in a swap with Jacksonville.

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Here’s a look at what Sanders had to say about his draft night tumble.

MORE: Why Shedeur Sanders wasn’t selected in first round

Shedeur Sanders reacts to NFL Draft slide

Sanders gave a short speech to his supporters at his draft night party, making it clear he is trusting that the process will put him right where he belongs.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course,” Sanders said in a video recorded by his brother, Deion Jr., before explaining that he believes his slide happened for a reason.

“All this is, is of course fuel to the fire,” Sanders said. “Under no circumstances, we all know this shouldn’t have happened. But we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We’re gonna be happy regardless. Legendary.”

“Legendary” has become Sanders’ tagline, as he tweeted the word earlier Thursday and had “legendary” emblazoned on his chain he wore for the first round.

MORE: Winners and losers from NFL Draft first round

With each NFL team’s hat behind him, Sanders kept an upbeat attitude — but he did sound surprised and even a bit slighted after projections forecasted him as a first-round pick throughout the pre-draft process.

Sanders’ first-round hopes were delivered major blows when the quarterback-needy Saints and Steelers passed on him with the No. 9 and No. 21 picks, respectively, and he lost the chance to be the second quarterback off the board when the Giants traded up to select Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 pick. 

The Browns lead off the second round with the No. 33 pick on Friday, setting up a potential instant landing spot for Sanders, but they could also field trade offers from any team looking to take the Colorado quarterback.