Meet the famous NFL stars who refused the NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft in April approaches, one of the most talked-about prospects set to enter the league is former University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders is widely considered to be the second-best signal caller in this draft class, behind only Cam Ward, who set an all-time college football record for career touchdown passes while starring for the University of Miami last year.
While a gifted and high-potential player in his own right, a major reason for the interest in Sanders stems from his last name – he is the son of former Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers superstar cornerback Deion Sanders, who was also his coach in Colorado.
Sanders Sr. was – and remains – one of the most charismatic and outspoken personalities in the sport. And it has been rumoured that if Deion does not approve of whichever team picks Shedeur in the draft, he’ll refuse to go there.
Deion has refuted this claim, insisting his son will join whichever team chooses him. But is it possible for a player to say no to the team that drafts them?
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It’s extremely rare, but the answer is yes.
There have been two notable cases of drafted quarterbacks digging in their heels and forcing a move elsewhere.
One was when legendary pass-master John Elway was the prize pick of the 1983 draft. The Stanford standout was regarded as one of the best quarterback prospects of all time and Baltimore Colts were excited to call his name with the top pick.
But Elway did not match Baltimore’s enthusiasm. He said that, rather than join the Colts, he’d instead play baseball for the New York Yankees, who’d claimed his rights in the 1981 MLB draft.
Elway did not have to follow through on his threat. Accepting that he would not play for them, Baltimore drafted Elway anyway but quickly traded him to the Denver Broncos.
Over a 16-year career with the Broncos, Elway won two Super Bowls and an MVP, delivering fully on the potential that had made the Colts so eager to draft him.
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And in 2004, another young quarterback with a famous father caused a stir in the draft.
Eli Manning – son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning and brother of Indianapolis Colts legend Peyton – was picked first overall by the San Diego Chargers.
After his name was called on draft day, Eli Manning was evidently displeased, having made it clear beforehand that he didn’t want to play for the Chargers.
Manning was traded to the New York Giants, with whom he would win two Super Bowls, both times defeating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.#
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