BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Shedeur Sanders with 21st Overall Pick in 2025 NFL Draft
PITTSBURGH, PA — In a move that could redefine the future of the franchise, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected quarterback Shedeur Sanders from the University of Colorado with the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The announcement, made late Thursday night from the draft stage in Green Bay, sent shockwaves through Steelers Nation and across the NFL. Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, had long been one of the most talked-about prospects in college football. With his impressive arm strength, field vision, and poise under pressure, Sanders is expected to bring new energy and leadership to a Pittsburgh offense that has been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback.
“This is a proud moment for our organization,” Steelers GM Omar Khan said shortly after the pick was announced. “Shedeur brings talent, charisma, and a winning mentality. He’s a leader, and we’re confident he can be the face of this franchise for years to come.”
The Steelers have been seeking consistency at quarterback since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 season. While veterans and backups have stepped in to keep the team afloat, there’s been a noticeable lack of star power under center — something Pittsburgh fans are hoping Sanders can restore.
At Colorado, Sanders showcased his elite skillset, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns in his final collegiate season under the tutelage of his father and head coach, Deion Sanders. His calm demeanor, combined with a deep knowledge of the game, made him a standout in an otherwise rebuilding program.
“I’m ready for this,” Shedeur Sanders said in a live interview moments after the selection. “This is a dream come true. Pittsburgh is a legendary franchise, and I’m coming in to compete, to lead, and to win. Let’s get to work.”
Head Coach Mike Tomlin echoed those sentiments, praising Sanders’ football IQ and work ethic. “What you see on tape is special, but what you get in the locker room is even more important,” Tomlin said. “This young man is mature beyond his years. He’s a grinder. He fits exactly what we’re about.”
The Steelers also recently made waves by acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, setting up what could be a dynamic offensive pairing between Sanders and Metcalf, alongside emerging talents like George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Fans gathered in Pittsburgh for the team’s official draft watch party exploded with cheers at the pick, chanting “Shedeur! Shedeur!” as highlights of his college career played on the big screen at Acrisure Stadium.
With the AFC North becoming increasingly competitive, the Steelers’ move signals a commitment to building a new era of championship-caliber football in the Steel City. And with Shedeur Sanders at the helm, the future just got a whole lot more exciting.
Stay tuned for more updates as rookie minicamp approaches and Sanders officially begins his NFL journey with the black and gold.