On April 26, 2026, Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, publicly supported quarterback Diego Pavia after he went undrafted in the NFL Draft. Pavia had been a standout player at Vanderbilt, even earning a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025. Yet, despite throwing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns that season, he found himself without a team.
Pavia’s height—measured at just over 5-foot-10 during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine—likely contributed to his draft status. The NFL has long favored taller quarterbacks, which puts shorter players at a disadvantage. But does size truly determine a player’s potential? In Pavia’s case, it seems to have played a significant role.
As the draft unfolded, all eyes were on prospects like Shedeur Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of the previous year’s draft. Unlike Pavia, Sanders had the advantage of being part of a high-profile program under Deion Sanders. In fact, Colorado had no NFL draft picks in 2025—a stark contrast to Vanderbilt’s recent record of 17 wins over two seasons with Pavia as quarterback.
The moment Pavia went undrafted marked a historical low; he became the first Heisman finalist not selected since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014. This situation underscores how competitive and unpredictable the NFL Draft can be for even the most talented athletes.
In response to Pavia’s situation, Deion Sanders shared heartfelt words: “I believe in you my man! Stay strong and don’t let up. Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget. Much love & God bless you.” Such support from a prominent figure like Sanders can be crucial for young athletes facing uncertainty.
This series of events matters because it reflects broader trends in college football and its relationship with the NFL. Players like Pavia must navigate challenges that go beyond their performance on the field. They face scrutiny based on physical attributes and marketability—factors that can overshadow their achievements.
As we look ahead, many undrafted free agents will seek opportunities to prove themselves outside traditional pathways. For Pavia, this could mean signing with a team as an undrafted free agent or joining a practice squad to showcase his skills.
Deion Sanders’ endorsement serves as both encouragement and recognition of the uphill battle many players face after college football. With every passing year, stories like these remind us that talent alone isn’t always enough in this fierce arena.