Shedeur Sanders has never been one to hide in the shadows. From electrifying performances at Jackson State to commanding the spotlight at Colorado under the ever-watchful eye of his father, NFL Hall of Famer and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur has lived his football life with a blend of bold confidence and calculated flair. Now, as the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, the quarterback who’s always found a way to generate headlines has done it again—this time, by revealing a custom draft hat collection that’s fueling speculation and setting the internet ablaze. The focus of that speculation? The Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a social media post that seemed innocuous at first glance but quickly turned into a full-blown frenzy, Sanders unveiled a sleek series of hats designed for each NFL team. The moment of interest wasn’t just about the overall reveal—it was about the subtle but unmistakable emphasis on one specific team: the black and gold. Among a sea of logos, textures, and team colors, it was the Pittsburgh Steelers hat that Shedeur paused on the longest, held up with pride, and gave what many are calling a “knowing smirk” toward the camera. Just like that, the NFL world started buzzing with the same question: does Shedeur Sanders want to be a Steeler?
It wasn’t the first time Sanders had flirted with the idea. Over the past few months, he’s been dropping breadcrumbs that point directly to Pittsburgh, and this latest move only adds fuel to an already growing fire. Back in February, during an appearance on a podcast, Sanders made a casual yet intriguing remark about “historic franchises” that “know how to win and develop quarterbacks.” When asked specifically about Pittsburgh, he smiled and said, “You can never go wrong with Mike Tomlin.” It was brushed off as a compliment at the time, but in light of recent events, those words are being re-evaluated.
And who could blame him? The Pittsburgh Steelers represent one of the NFL’s most storied organizations. With six Super Bowl titles and a culture rooted in discipline, defense, and grit, the Steelers have long been a destination for players who want to win and leave a lasting legacy. For a player like Shedeur—whose brand is just as important as his arm—Pittsburgh offers a rare blend of old-school football prestige and a modern, quarterback-hungry market. The fit feels almost poetic.
At Colorado, Sanders showed he’s more than just a name. Despite facing constant pressure, both literal and figurative, he delivered under center week after week. His pocket presence, football IQ, and leadership were on full display, even as Colorado’s offensive line struggled to protect him. Through it all, Sanders maintained a cool composure that reminded many scouts of a young Russell Wilson. But unlike Wilson, Shedeur doesn’t shy away from the limelight—he walks right into it.
The draft hat reveal came at a time when speculation around Sanders’ draft stock was reaching its peak. Most analysts project him as a top-five pick, and some even have him as the first quarterback off the board. But recent murmurs have suggested he might not be interested in just going to any team. Sources close to the Sanders camp have hinted that Shedeur is “highly selective” about where he wants to begin his NFL journey. That approach echoes the strategy once used by another football icon—John Elway—who famously resisted joining the Baltimore Colts in 1983 and orchestrated a trade to the Denver Broncos. Sanders isn’t outright refusing teams, but it’s clear he and his camp are being intentional.
Which brings the conversation right back to Pittsburgh. With Kenny Pickett now in Philadelphia and Russell Wilson signed on a short-term deal, the Steelers’ quarterback room is still in flux. Wilson is a veteran with experience, but not a long-term solution. Justin Fields is a talented project, but he has yet to prove he can lead an NFL team with consistency. Insert Shedeur Sanders, and suddenly, Pittsburgh’s quarterback conundrum begins to make sense. Sanders could sit behind Wilson for a season, learn the system, adjust to NFL speed, and take over in 2026 as the face of the franchise.
Then there’s Mike Tomlin. Few coaches command the respect Tomlin does. Known for his no-nonsense approach and unwavering belief in accountability, Tomlin has guided Pittsburgh through transitions and kept the team competitive year after year. For a young quarterback with ambition, Tomlin is the kind of coach you want in your corner. Deion Sanders himself has praised Tomlin in past interviews, calling him “one of the best in the game” and someone he’d love for his son to play for. The admiration appears mutual, and while tampering rules prevent direct communication about draft desires, the writing might already be on the wall.
Social media, naturally, has erupted in response to the draft hat tease. Fans have flooded Sanders’ posts with black-and-yellow emojis, waving Terrible Towels in digital form. Steelers Twitter is already dreaming of a Shedeur-led offense that could restore the team’s offensive identity. Memes are being made. Mock drafts are being updated. And Shedeur, always aware of his platform, is letting it all marinate.
There’s also a branding element to this entire saga that can’t be overlooked. Shedeur Sanders isn’t just a football player; he’s a marketing machine. He’s signed NIL deals with top brands, launched his own clothing line, and built a following that stretches beyond sports. Playing for a team like Pittsburgh—a franchise with nationwide reach, deep-rooted traditions, and a massive fanbase—would only amplify his profile. In a city that breathes football, he wouldn’t just be a quarterback. He’d be a star.
Of course, there’s always the chance it’s all smoke and mirrors. Sanders is savvy, and his family knows how to command a narrative. Teasing the Steelers could be part of a broader strategy to generate buzz, manipulate draft boards, or even encourage other teams to make aggressive moves. If that’s the case, it’s working. The NFL is built on drama, and the Sanders name knows how to deliver it.
What happens next will depend on how the draft unfolds. The Steelers, currently sitting outside the top five, would likely have to trade up to secure Sanders. That would mean parting with valuable capital, potentially future first-rounders. But if Pittsburgh truly believes Sanders is their quarterback of the future—and if Sanders truly wants to wear black and gold—it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The league has seen bolder moves for quarterbacks with less upside.
Until then, all we have is a collection of hats, a carefully timed smirk, and a growing sense that something big is brewing. Shedeur Sanders has already proven he can command a huddle. Now he’s proving he can command a narrative. Whether that narrative ends with him walking across the draft stage and putting on a Steelers cap for real is yet to be seen. But one thing is certain—he knows exactly what he’s doing.
And the world is watching.