Anonymous Colorado fan sues NFL for $100M over Shedeur Sanders Draft slide

Evidently, Shedeur Sanders wasn’t the only one in anguish during his unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft. An anonymous man in Georgia is suing the NFL for $100 million for causing him “emotional distress and trauma.”

In the lawsuit, the John Doe is accusing the NFL of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. Additionally, he claims the NFL violated the Civil Rights Act and Sanders’ slide was “influenced by racial discrimination.”

“The NFL’s actions and the dissemination of slanderous statements have caused severe emotional distress and trauma to the Plaintiff, resulting in frustration, disappointment, and psychological harm as a fan,” the lawsuit reads. “… Plaintiff requests that the Court consider this complaint and take appropriate action to address the intentional emotional distress and trauma suffered as a result of the NFL’s collusive practices and the harmful statements made regarding Shedeur Sanders.”

Sanders was projected to be selected as early as in the top-three picks by some experts. However, the former Colorado QB plummeted in the draft instead, falling all the way to the fifth round when the Cleveland Browns selected him with the No. 144 overall pick.

Several insiders reported that Sanders had multiple pre-draft interviews not go well. These rumors especially gained traction after an anonymous NFL assistant coach told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that Sanders’ interview was one of the worst he’s ever seen.

“The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life,” the coach said. “He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates. . . . But the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.”

The plaintiff acknowledges these reports in his lawsuit and demands “retraction of the slanderous statements.” Additionally, the plaintiff requests the NFL to acknowledge the emotional distress it caused him, implementation of fairer practices in the drafting process and, of course, $100 million.

The plaintiff was seemingly more emotionally distraught over Sanders’ slide than the QB himself. After the Browns picked him up in the fifth round, Sanders said he was relatively unaffected by the ordeal.

“Nothing really affected me the last couple of days,” Sanders told the Cleveland media. “I’m blessed. I know I have to clean up some things in my game. The main thing is proving (head coach Kevin) Stefanski and Mr. (Andrew) Berry right about picking me.”

Sanders will have a four-year contract with the Browns worth $4.6 million, according to Spotrac. Perhaps if the John Doe wins his lawsuit, he can share some of the cash with his beloved QB.