For quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the spotlight has recently focused on a seemingly minor habit that has sparked debate leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The controversy ignited when New York Jets safety Andre Cisco questioned Sanders’ habit of tapping the football before throwing.
Cisco suggested this could be a flaw that might give defenders an early read on passes, a potentially serious concern for a quarterback.
When confronted with this criticism, Sanders responded with the confidence that has become his trademark throughout the draft process.
“Me patting the ball got me to where, I’m in the position I am now. I don’t see what’s wrong,” Shedeur said on “Up & Adams.” “For me, things can be a problem, for other people it’s not a problem. They always move the goalpost for me, so that’s why I like, mentally you gotta always be tough.”
Shedeur Sanders on the “patting the ball” debate.@heykayadams | @ShedeurSanders pic.twitter.com/qhL72cQ51x
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 10, 2025
His response reflects a mature perspective that has impressed many scouts and analysts.
Despite the social media buzz, top draft evaluators remain largely unconcerned about the ball-patting habit, with many still considering Sanders among the top quarterbacks in this class.
They point to his natural talent, mental toughness and leadership qualities as attributes that far outweigh mechanical nitpicks.
Sanders’ philosophy seems clear, that seeking external validation for every aspect of your game is a path to frustration, not improvement.
This mindset has served him well throughout his collegiate career at Jackson State and Colorado.
The real question isn’t about the tapping, but whether Sanders can deliver the ball with proper timing and rhythm within an NFL offensive scheme.
His college numbers suggest he can, as he completed an impressive 70.1 percent of his passes for 14,327 yards, with 134 touchdowns against just 27 interceptions.
His final season at Colorado showcased his development, with a 74.0 percent completion rate on 477 attempts, accumulating 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions.
