NFL quarterback Joe Flacco criticized Colorado Buffaloes star Shedeur Sanders for his choice of equipment during the 2023 college football season, specifically pointing to the use of a tinted visor. Flacco, a veteran of 16 NFL seasons, expressed his disapproval of the look during an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, stating, "You look like an idiot."
The Criticism of Sanders’ On-Field Look
During his conversation on Pardon My Take, Flacco addressed the evolving aesthetic trends in football. When the discussion turned to Shedeur Sanders—the Colorado quarterback and son of head coach Deion Sanders—Flacco did not hold back regarding the younger player’s preference for dark, tinted visors.
"I’m just like, ‘You look like an idiot,’" Flacco said during the interview. He suggested that such equipment choices are unnecessary for collegiate athletes, noting, "You’re not that cool."
The comment sparked immediate reaction across social media and sports media circles, as it highlighted a generational divide in how players approach their on-field appearance. While tinted visors have become a common fashion statement among high-profile college stars, many veteran players in the professional ranks maintain a more traditional view of equipment standards.
Equipment Regulations and Personal Style
The use of visors in football is subject to strict regulation. According to the NCAA football rulebook, tinted eye shields are generally prohibited unless the player has a documented medical necessity. Specifically, Rule 1-4-5-r mandates that any eye shield must be clear and not tinted, with exceptions only granted for medical reasons verified by a team physician.
Despite these rules, players often find ways to customize their gear, leading to frequent discussions about the line between personal expression and league-mandated uniformity. Sanders has frequently been at the center of such conversations, as his high-profile status at Colorado has made him a lightning rod for both praise and criticism regarding his brand and style.
Flacco’s Career Context
Joe Flacco’s critique comes from a perspective of long-standing professional experience. Since being drafted in 2008, Flacco has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts. He led the Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl XLVII and was named the game’s MVP.
Throughout his career, Flacco has maintained a reputation for a no-nonsense, traditional approach to the game. His comments on the Pardon My Take podcast reflect a broader sentiment held by many veteran players who prioritize a professional, understated appearance over the high-visibility branding often seen in the modern era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports.
Current Status of the Discussion
As of the 2024 season, the debate over player equipment and individual branding continues to grow as the influence of NIL deals shapes the culture of college football. While Sanders continues to be one of the most visible figures in the sport, the commentary from veteran players like Flacco serves as a reminder of the differing expectations between the college and professional levels. Neither Sanders nor the Colorado athletic department has issued a formal response to the remarks.
Worth a look