Criticism has surrounded this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process after former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was surprisingly left out in his first year of eligibility. In response to the controversy, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has proposed a potential solution to help avoid a similar issue in the future.
Speaking on “This is Football” on Friday, Sanders suggested that the controversy surrounding Hall of Fame voting is from the voters themselves. The Colorado coach believes the power to determine inductees should shift away from media members, writers and the Pro Football Writers of America and instead be placed with those who have already been inducted.
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When asked how he would change the system, Sanders replied, “Ask the Hall of Famers.”
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“I wouldn’t want the Grinch who stole Christmas voting on a beauty pageant,” the former NFL defensive back added.
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Adding context to the debate, NFL insider Dave Helman brought back a 2018 post from Sanders in the comment section.
In that post, Sanders appeared to suggest during a conversation with then-Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard that the opinions of players and former players should carry more weight than those of football writers when evaluating players.
“You’re looking at who writers tell u who’s the best I know who players and former players feel is the best. I rest my case. You continue to be a fan and I will continue being the man,” Sanders posted.
There has been public frustration over Belichick’s exclusion, but Sanders’ proposed solution has not gained the same level of support. Many fans seem to suggest that former players are not immune to bias and may be less engaged with the day-to-day developments of the modern NFL than journalists.
Deion Sanders, a former shutdown corner in thew league, amassed eight Pro Bowl appearances, six first-team All-Pro honors and two Super Bowl rings, achievements that secured his place among football’s all-time greats.
Deion Sanders not currently planning to coach in the NFL
Colorado coach Deion Sanders has made it clear that an NFL move is not part of his current plans. Sanders was linked with the Dallas Cowboys coaching vacancy last offseason and reportedly spoke with owner Jerry Jones before the team hired Brian Schottenheimer instead.
Despite those previous discussions, Sanders’ latest comments suggest he remains committed to coaching at the collegiate level and is not actively pursuing a transition to the NFL anytime soon.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” this week, Deion Sanders noted that his perspective has been influenced by what happened to his son, Shedeur Sanders, last year.
“Not whatsoever,” Sanders said. “What transpired with my son last year? Ain’t no way in the world.”
Shedeur Sanders experienced a surprising slide during the 2025 NFL draft, falling to the fifth round after initially being projected as a first-round selection. He was ultimately drafted by the Cleveland Browns and went on to finish the season as the team’s starting quarterback.
Edited by nagpaltusharn25
