Shedeur Sanders defends Joe Milton from PFF criticism

Shedeur Sanders came to the defense of former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton after some decided to clown him on social media.

Milton spent the last week in Mobile, Alabama for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and played in the game on Saturday afternoon. The strong-armed quarterback’s performance was a mixed bag, but Sanders had an issue with a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) from Pro Football Focus.

PFF decided to post a highlight featuring one of Milton’s less impressive plays, and the Colorado Buffaloes star took notice of that. He called out the publication, asking what their intention was by bringing down Milton.

I thought @PFF_College was to showcase college athletes not put them down 🤔 https://t.co/7SaKihm2Cd

— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) February 4, 2024

“I thought @PFF_College was to showcase college athletes not put them down,” the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

It’s nice to see Sanders attempt to come to the defense of Milton, instead of making light of the former Tennessee star’s performance. With how much work goes into the NFL Draft process, you’re not defined by a couple of bad plays, and Sanders doesn’t want to see that happen to Milton.

Perhaps one day Joe Milton will repay Shedeur Sanders and come to his defense. Nevertheless, the Colorado quarterback is using his platform to spread positivity in this case, and that’s a commendable act.

Joe Milton explains how Jim Harbaugh’s NFL experience prepared him for Senior Bowl, draft process

Moreover, Joe Milton waited his turn at Tennessee, watching Hendon Hooker ball out for a couple of seasons. He was the backup but took over at the end of the 2022 season after Hooker’s ACL injury. But head coach Josh Heuepel eventually called on him, leading the Vols to an 8-4 record to continue the positive momentum in Knoxville.

Now, it’s time for Milton to take the next step and prepare for the NFL. He started that process at the Senior Bowl, where he explained how his time at Michigan prior to the Volunteers helped and prepared him to perform in the moment in front of NFL eyes.

“I’ve been at Michigan before,” Milton said. “There were a ton of NFL coaches. Just got to take every day how you would in life. Approach it the same way. They’re not trying to bash you in the ground but they see you good you want to take coaching.”

Being at Michigan, Milton was coached by Jim Harbaugh — now of the Los Angeles Chargers. Staples asked if the practice in Ann Arbor was similar to what he had gone through in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Milton has not been with the Wolverines for a few years but can tell the similarities.

“Walk-throughs,” Milton began. “One-on-ones. Seven on seven. Just the whole nine. Calling the plays. Making sure the huddle is addressed correctly. And getting the guys going.”

Milton played in 14 games over three seasons with Michigan, completing 56.6% of his throws for 1,194 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions. Harbaugh could technically select Milton in the NFL Draft and bring the duo back together.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.