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Brian Kelly appeared on CBS Sports as an analyst this week to provide his thoughts on a few notable NFL Draft prospects. One particular evaluation got him in some hot water on social media.
The former Notre Dame and LSU head coach provided a breakdown for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, which included a supposed dig at Shedeur Sanders.
Kelly seemed to question Sanders’ toughness, at least in the opinions of a number of viewers. Was the shade real? Deion Sanders Jr. responded to what he believes is a misunderstanding.
Brian Kelly compared Garrett Nussmeier to Shedeur Sanders.
@cbssportscfb “Staying healthy is gonna be really important. If he does, he’s gonna deliver the ball to playmakers.” 🗣️ Brian Kelly on Garrett Nussmeier #cfb #collegefootball #footballtiktok #lsu
Kelly is extremely familiar with the former LSU signal caller. He started two seasons for the head coach in Baton Rouge. In 2024, Nussmeier posted a 4,000-yard campaign.
His production took a hit in ’25 as he battled injury. Kelly commented on the passer’s health when breaking down his NFL outlook.
“Obviously, the injuries really set him back this year. At the quarterback position, you’re going to get hit. It’s just the nature (of the position). He’s not going to be Shedeur Sanders. He’s not going to run away from contact.”
-Brian Kelly
Reading that quote on paper, it can be interpreted as a shot at Sanders. For that reason, many on social media platforms took immediate offense.
Deion Sanders Jr. was not one of those listeners up in arms. He believes it was actually a compliment.
Shedeur Sanders can move.
I honestly thinks he’s talking about mobility
— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr) April 16, 2026
Listening to the clip provides a bit better context of what Brian Kelly was trying to say about Shedeur Sanders. The former coach was praising his mobility.
Sanders, while not the quickest quarterback, can navigate the pocket. He showed the ability to be slippery while evading defenders.
Nussmeier cannot. He was often a sitting target in the backfield last season, being sacked 15 times in nine games. The hits led to issues. He was unable to finish out the year.
Sanders is no stranger to contact. He was sacked 52 times as a junior and 42 times as a senior in Colorado. He broke his back as a result. His toughness cannot be questioned.
If not for his mobility, that number might’ve been higher. Nussmeier lacks that ability to move. As Kelly says, he cannot “run away from” defenders.
Brian Kelly, I don’t think, was attempting to throw shade. He was genuinely highlighting Sanders’ ability to escape trouble when needed.
The wording was a bit confusing. The printed quote was used to mislead. At the end of the day, the Sanders family does not appear to take issue.