NFL fans were stunned when former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, widely projected as a top quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, slipped all the way to the fifth round—ultimately being selected No. 144 overall by the Cleveland Browns.

While social media buzzed with confusion and debate over Sanders' surprising fall, one fan is taking matters to court.

According to newly surfaced court documents shared by MSNBC, an anonymous plaintiff identified as "John Doe" has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the NFL, citing "emotional distress" and alleging reputational harm inflicted by the league’s handling of Sanders during the draft process.

Doe claims to be a devoted fan who followed Sanders closely throughout his college career at Colorado. In the filing, he alleges that media reports and so-called “leaked statements” about Sanders—suggesting he “tanked interviews,” was “unprepared,” and came off as “too cocky”—created a false and damaging narrative that not only hurt Sanders’ professional prospects, but also caused significant emotional trauma to the plaintiff as a fan and consumer.

“These slanderous statements were not only unfounded but deeply distressing,” the filing reads. “They have unjustly harmed Sanders’ reputation and, by extension, caused emotional damage to fans who support him and believe in his talent.”

The lawsuit outlines several legal claims, including: Violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act (alleging collusion among NFL teams), Violation of the Civil Rights Act, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Violations of Consumer Protection Laws.

In addition to the $100 million in damages, Doe is seeking the following:

"A formal acknowledgment from the NFL for the emotional harm caused by its actions and narratives; A public retraction of the statements made about Sanders, along with a formal apology; Implementation of fairer and more transparent practices in the draft process to ensure player evaluations are based on merit; Any further relief the court deems appropriate, including additional compensatory damages."

As of now, neither the NFL nor representatives for Shedeur Sanders have commented publicly on the lawsuit.

Source: CBS Sports