FRISCO, Texas – Shedeur Sanders has a million-dollar smile, and a swagger that comes along with it.
Here at the East-West Shrine Bowl, the Titans have already spent a lot of time with the talented Colorado quarterback, trying to find as much as they can about him.
Sanders is all for it – it's why he's here. While he's not taking part in practices, and he won't play in the game, he is making himself available to clubs, like the Titans, to dig as deep as they want.
"I came here for a purpose, and for a reason – to meet with the teams so they can understand me, and know me," Sanders said on Saturday. "All the conversations have been positive; everything has been good. They are surprised when they are finally able to meet me, and it's not what the media portrays it to be.
"I am a smiling guy and I'm always happy."
The Titans sent well over a dozen team officials to the Shrine Bowl this weekend to find out for themselves. Coach Brian Callahan is here, along with General Manager Mike Borgonzi and President of Football Operations Chad Brinker. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz is also here, along with many members of the team's coaching staff and scouting department.
Callahan spent 15 minutes with Sanders during a throwing session on Friday morning. The team was allotted 15 more minutes for a scheduled interview later in the day, but two other teams, including the Bears, gave up their time slot since they have a quarterback, and they know the Titans are looking for one.
Sanders called the meeting with the Titans "fun."
"It was truly exciting," he said, "that I was able get in and meet everybody (with the Titans) and they were able to ask questions and understand me."
During the interview, Shedeur's famous father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, FaceTimed his son a few times. The Titans told him to answer it, and they enjoyed the banter.
"He kept calling me," Sanders said with a smile. "I told him at the end: It's over with. I have to soar on my own. Of course he is missing me right now.
"(The Titans) were welcoming, and loving the fact I have a great relationship with my father."
The Titans headed into their offseason with the No.1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it's no secret they're interested in quarterbacks, from draft eligible players to potential free agents.
Sanders is one the biggest stars in this year's draft, and he's coming off a year when he threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns at Colorado. In his college career, Sanders threw for whopping 124 touchdowns and just 27 interceptions while playing at Jackson State and Colorado.
On Saturday, Sanders headed into the media center at the Hyatt Regency Frisco and chatted for over 12 minutes with reporters.
He spoke with gratitude when talking about his father's influence, something others have presented as a negative, or a distraction. Nothing could be further from the truth, Sanders said.
"I didn't know your parents being involved and wanting the best for you is a problem," he said. "I think as parents, each and every one would want the best for their kids. So, the fact he has an opportunity to be there for me, and he has the best quarterback in the country, he is supposed to do that."
Sanders talked about his relationship with Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who is regarded as another one of the draft's top prospects.
Sanders and Ward actually train together.
"It is really good we're going into this situation together," Sanders said of Ward. "We're all family at the end of the day. We don't look at each other any other way. He feels he's the best, and I feel I'm the best. We play the same position, so it's just between the decision makers. Some people like him, and some people like me. It's all on preference. We're just thankful we're at least able to compete with each other, and keep playing."
But Sanders made it clear he thinks he's the draft's best quarterback, and he's convinced he can change the fate of a franchise.
"I know I am the most guaranteed risk you can take," Sanders said at one point.
"I just know I am going to change a franchise and be happy to be the leader of a team," he said later.
Later, Sanders agreed to do a separate one-on-one interview with TennesseeTitans.com.
Among other things, he said he's been to Nashville, and "I love it."
"I know the city, and I've heard a lot of great things about the city," Sanders said. "And, I obviously see a lot of great things about their fan base. So, I know it's real fun there."
Asked what he'd think of the Titans picked him first overall, Sanders said: "I'd love it. I would be thankful."
There's a lot of time between now and the NFL Draft, of course.
The Titans will examine all of their options, in free agency, and the NFL Draft.
Callahan made it clear Sanders made a nice first impression.
"You can tell he's been raised right," Callahan said of Sanders. "He's mature, he has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he's a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself."
Sanders, meanwhile, will continue to do his part to make a good impression at the NFL Combine, his Pro Day, and visits to NFL cities leading up to April's NFL Draft.
But he knows there's only so much he can control.
"I am just a player," Sanders said with a smile. "I am just thankful for whatever situation and whoever drafts me. I know I'll be able to change their program."
