Shedeur Sanders – King of the North?

It’s the middle of summer—kids are out of school, fire hydrants are spraying (at least where I’m from), and the beaches and pools are full of happy people soaking up the season. I’m from NYC, and for us, summertime is everything. But for football junkies like me, this time of year is about dreams, speculation, and hope for our favorite teams and especially our favorite players. Enter Shedeur Sanders, a young man who has captivated the attention of America. Whether you love him or hate him, you're intrigued by him. Shedeur is the son of the legendary Deion “Primetime” Sanders—no introduction needed. One of America’s greatest athletes and now a headline-making coach, Deion brings the cameras and the fans. But that same exposure may have backfired for his son. Once projected as a first-round NFL pick, Shedeur was selected in the fifth round this spring by the Cleveland Browns. Some speculate that his draft-day drop was personal—maybe even a message directed at Deion himself or the Sanders brand as a whole. Was the NFL saying something about a confident, media-savvy Black quarterback with a built-in audience? We may never know. But now, with training camps opening, Shedeur has a golden opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. If that happens, nothing I’m about to say will matter, and to be honest, I hope it is the case. BUT if it doesn’t let your mind wander with me for a moment. Have you ever worked somewhere you weren’t valued? Have you ever been in a relationship where you were taken for granted? Most people eventually explore their options, and if Shedeur is relegated to a practice squad or cut, I have an alternative that just might work:

Canada and The CFL.

Now before you laugh and scroll away, hear me out. It’s a long shot—but here’s my five-point plan on why Shedeur Sanders playing in the CFL could change sports/entertainment forever.

1. Star Power

Number 12 (Browns jersey number),” is box office. His presence alone turned Day 3 of the NFL Draft into must-watch TV. Remember his first season at Colorado? We were all up until 2 a.m. watching the Buffs take on Colorado State. He moves the needle. Put him on a CFL team, and suddenly summertime football becomes “primetime” viewing in two countries and maybe the world. 

1. Dollars and Exposure

Yes, the average CFL player earns around $133,000 USD a year—hardly NFL money. But Shedeur is not your average player. With his brand power and marketing team, he could easily become "King of the North.” Every major brand in Canada—and a ton in the U.S.—would line up to work with him. His connections in entertainment and sports would put him right behind Drake in terms of national visibility. It would be a financial and cultural boom.

1. Jersey Sales

Shedeur currently has the #1-selling jersey among NFL rookies, with estimated sales reportedly exceeding $250 million. Imagine tapping into that momentum in a league like the CFL, which could use a financial jolt. Shedeur’s jersey would fly off shelves across Canada and sell heavily in the U.S. too. He could even spark a revival of jersey culture—think Jay-Z and 50 Cent in the early 2000s.

1. Summer Spotlight

Unlike the NFL, which owns the fall and winter, the CFL plays through May, June, and into summer. With Shedeur under center, games would draw a who’s who of celebrities, influencers, and sports fans. He could bring a “Caitlin Clark” effect to Canadian football—generating buzz, growing TV ratings, and redefining the league’s visibility south of the border.

1. Football Legacy

Of course, all of this depends on Shedeur performing on the field. But if he plays like he did at Jackson State and Colorado, the NFL will come calling again. He wouldn’t be the first, Hall of Famer Warren Moon began his legendary career in the CFL. And unlike sitting on the bench as a third-string NFL quarterback, Shedeur would maintain his spotlight, sharpen his skills, and control the narrative.

Final Thought: Toronto is Waiting

The Toronto Argonauts already hold Shedeur’s CFL rights—a smart, forward-thinking move. And let’s be honest: Toronto is no minor market. It’s a global city with NBA and MLB teams, a massive media presence, and a hunger for stars. While this scenario is a long shot—and I’m rooting for Shedeur in Cleveland (accept when they play the Jets!)—being QB3/4 or getting cut would be a major setback. In life, as in football, no one likes to feel disrespected, especially when you know you're better than what’s been presented. The NFL will survive with or without Shedeur Sanders. But the establishment should know there are options, especially when you’re the son of PrimeTime.  So go win the job, 12. Prove the world wrong. And if not, becoming the most recognized athlete in a country of 41 million people isn’t a bad Plan B. Get your popcorn ready—Browns training camp is about to be must-see TV.   KP