ESPN Faces Backlash for Overlooking Cam Ward During 2025 NFL Draft Coverage

ESPN is under fire after their coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft sparked heated debate among fans and analysts. At the heart of the controversy lies a moment that should have celebrated the pinnacle of one athlete's journey—but instead, felt more like a passing mention.

The Draft Night Disrespect

On April 25, 2025, the Carolina Panthers made headlines by selecting Cam Ward, quarterback from the University of Miami, as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. It was a triumphant moment for the transfer standout, who had risen from Washington State to national stardom through sheer determination and skill.

But rather than spotlighting Ward’s incredible achievement, ESPN’s live broadcast drew swift criticism for its lopsided focus on Shedeur Sanders, another prominent quarterback prospect and the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

All Eyes on Shedeur?

While Cam Ward was making history, ESPN spent large segments of its coverage discussing Shedeur Sanders’ draft trajectory and a trade involving the No. 2 pick. Despite not being selected at No. 1, Sanders remained the central narrative, overshadowing Ward’s moment of glory.

This prompted immediate backlash online and among commentators. Many felt that ESPN had failed to recognize the significance of Ward’s accomplishment, instead choosing to amplify the ongoing media buzz around Sanders. The imbalance felt like a disservice to Ward, who had earned his place through results—not hype.

A Pattern of Bias?

ESPN's choice isn't unprecedented. The network has long been known for emphasizing high-profile figures, and Shedeur Sanders has consistently been a magnet for attention. Just weeks before the draft, he signed a $54 million contract extension at Colorado, further fueling interest in his future.

By comparison, Cam Ward maintained a quieter pre-draft profile, despite leading the Hurricanes to an impressive season. Analysts argue that this quieter demeanor may have led to ESPN underestimating his draft appeal. Yet on draft night, as Ward went first overall, the network's failure to shift the spotlight came off as disrespectful.

Public and Media Reactions

The outcry reached reputable media outlets. As Awful Announcing reported:

"Cam Ward has been ignored for weeks, and now that he’s about to be drafted, Mel Kiper is talking about Shedeur Sanders???"

This quote encapsulates a wider frustration among sports fans who feel that media outlets often chase familiar names and storylines, even at the expense of those achieving greatness in real time.

Digging Deeper: The Media Narrative

This controversy is not just about airtime—it's about fairness, recognition, and authenticity in storytelling. Ward symbolizes the underdog who beat the odds. Sanders, with his family name and public profile, represents the media's comfort zone. The juxtaposition laid bare ESPN's editorial priorities, challenging fans to reconsider how narratives are shaped in sports media.

For more in-depth coverage on what ESPN's insiders were tracking ahead of the draft, check out this ESPN article.

Conclusion

✔️ ESPN drew fire for prioritizing flashy narratives over historic moments
✔️ The debate over media bias and athlete recognition reveals deeper tensions in modern sports storytelling