Deion Sanders believes in Diego Pavia — even if NFL evaluators do not.
The former Vanderbilt quarterback and 2025 Heisman finalist went unselected over the weekend in the NFL draft, as 10 other passers heard their names called instead of him.
Pavia became the first player since Northern Illinois’ Jordan Lynch in 2014 to go undrafted after being a Heisman finalist.
Nonetheless, “Coach Prime” — who knows all too well how difficult a draft snub can be — had a message of support for Pavia after all 32 teams passed on him.
Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia did not hear his name called during the NFL Draft. Getty Images But Deion Sanders had a message of support for the passer. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images “I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN! Stay strong and don’t let up,” the Colorado coach wrote on X, tagging Pavia.
“Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget. Much Love & God bless you. #PRIME.”
Pavia had an impressive 2025 for Vandy as he completed 70.6 percent of his passes, threw for 29 touchdowns and added 862 yards on the ground as the Commodores went 10-3.
However, he is also known for his brash personality (as he cursed out Heisman voters after he finished as runner-up), and is considered significantly undersized for an NFL quarterback at just 5-foot-10.
Sanders’ son, Shedeur, endured a difficult draft experience of his own last year as he fell from a projected first-round pick all the way to the fifth round.
He was eventually selected by Cleveland with the No. 144 overall pick.
Sanders wound up starting seven games for the Browns, though, and will have a chance to compete for the team’s starting job this offseason.
