No one in the football world this past year has faced more criticism for being “the result of nepotism” than Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. For the duo, it’s not just tough to match Deion’s legacy and walk in his shadow—the added scrutiny only makes things even harder.
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However, no matter how much they are criticized for their ‘unfair advantage,’ Cam Newton has nothing but praise for Deion as a proud father. “They come up with all types of societal words and this year we’ve heard nepotism as much as any other thing,” he remarked on an episode of Unapologetically Angel.
Cam himself is helping his kids step into the world of sports, and being a father, he understands how much Deion has done to help his kids get an early taste of success. The former Panthers QB also addressed the stigma surrounding Black fathers—one that Deion has disproven.
“Nepotism has always been around,” Cam said. “What Deion Sanders has been doing and has displayed, has been nothing less of a proud father. And especially smushing, killing, flushing, and murdering any type of thought process of what a black father would be in this country.”
It is a challenge even for skilled football players to get the recognition they deserve. While being the son of a former NFL superstar helps, proving oneself on the big stage is a responsibility that remains in their own hands—one that Shilo and Shedeur have certainly delivered on.
What makes Deion’s contribution so special is that he has been the most hands-on father in his kids’ development. Paving the way for both his sons while wrapping up the final season with a success story in the Big 12—despite being part of a mediocre program like Colorado—is nothing short of legendary.
“To have been doing what he’s been doing for all of his kids, not just one or two of them, has been commendable, and for anybody who doesn’t like it, you just have to ask what would you do in that situation… If somebody’s son is good enough to play, of course, you want your son to play for you and you’re lying if you don’t,” explained Cam.
Clearly, many will continue to see Shilo and Shedeur as prime examples of nepotism, but for Cam, this is the blueprint of how a father goes out of his way to help his kids carry the legacy forward.
