pittsburgh steelers
One of the most controversial things about the
Pittsburgh Steelers
In the 2025 NFL draft, it was notable that they repeatedly overlooked Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the three-day event. Eventually, Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.
Sanders’ downfall became somewhat of a legend. Numerous analysts predicted him to be selected in the first round, with most not expecting him to drop below the Steelers’ 21st pick. A small number thought he might make it to the second round, but that was generally considered his limit.
It seemed strange to witness the Steelers passing up on drafting him despite having several opportunities, particularly given their requirement for players at his position and following head coach Mike Tomlin’s guidance.
spoke glowingly about the controversial quarterback
.
That has led many to wonder if the Steelers completely took Sanders off their draft board. And, after a recent report, one now has to wonder if Pittsburgh did so at the request of their owner, Art Rooney II.
In his radio show on WFAN in New York, ex-quarterback Boomer Esiason shared that he had learned several teams removed Sanders from consideration completely due to his attitude issues. He also mentioned that certain team owners intervened to ensureSanders wouldn’t be selected by their franchises during the draft.
When you hear this young player speak, before or during the combine, about his ability to create a fresh culture in the locker room and transform everything single-handedly, he comes across as quite self-assured. In my opinion, this trait makes him rather unappealing to numerous coaches and general managers within the league.
Esiason said
.
I’m letting you know straight away; after speaking with three distinct front-office members of the NFL over the weekend, he wasn’t even listed on their boards. He was removed, and the reason for his removal is that the owner instructed, ‘Remove him from consideration as I do not wish to include such an entitled individual on our squad.’ And honestly, I can understand where they’re coming from,” Esiason commented further.
Once more, Tomlin expressed positive sentiments about Sanders following their meeting prior to the draft. Reports indicated that the Steelers were considering selecting him. Therefore, it’s plausible to assume that Rooney II might have been among the owners who insisted on passing up on drafting Sanders during the recent draft period.
Nevertheless, we have never seen Rooney II involved in such matters, so we would take a stab at guessing he was not part of the group mentioned by Esiason.
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