"Make sure you walk that walk": Cam Newton issues a word of caution to Shedeur Sanders after he flaunted Giants cleats during BYU game

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the No. 23-ranked Colorado Buffaloes ended their 2024 season with a 36-14 loss to the No. 17-ranked BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl. It was a disappointing end to a strong season for the Buffs.

While Sanders had a great season and is expected to be one of the first two players drafted in the 2025 NFL draft, he has drawn criticism from a former Heisman winner for an equipment choice in the Alamo Bowl. During the game, Sanders was spotted wearing custom-made New York Giants cleats.

On Thursday's episode of his eponymous podcast, 2010 Heisman Trophy winner and 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton reacted to Shedeur Sanders' choice of cleats, saying that if a player is going to make a bold statement like that, they need to back it up with a strong performance.

"I love the cleats," Newton said. "But this ain't even a word for Shedeur, this is a word for everybody. If you're gonna talk that talk, make sure you walk that walk.

"You can't do that and then do that. ... That's all I'm saying. I love the showmanness of sports as a whole, things that have stories, certain dances and celebrations. ... But you do that, y'all don't even win." (6:50)

Even though Sanders threw for two touchdowns in the bowl game, he recorded a season-worst 208 yards with two interceptions.

---

How likely is Shedeur Sanders to be drafted by the New York Giants?

Before Week 17, it seemed increasingly likely that Shedeur Sanders would be drafted by the New York Giants. However, the Giants unexpectedly defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-33, moving them down from the first overall pick to the fourth overall pick. There is still another week in the regular season, but New York's probability of picking the quarterback has declined.

Sanders is widely projected to be the first QB off the board. He will likely be the first or second quarterback selected, alongside Miami's Cam Ward. Ahead of the Giants in the draft order are the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. Although the Patriots have Drake Maye and do not need a QB, both the Titans and Browns could use a young star quarterback.