This week on S4N, Gene dissects the high-stakes world of NFL draft day negotiations through the cautionary tale of Shedeur Sanders – rising quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. What unfolds when raw talent, family legacy, and unshakable self-belief crash headfirst into the cold, calculated machinery of a billion-dollar sports business?
Having watched Shedeur’s draft stock inexplicably plummet, Gene peels back the layers to reveal where the deal-making went off the rails. Was it hubris, inexperience, or a fundamental misunderstanding of leverage in a highly controlled system? From missed cues in power dynamics to the strategic misfire of eschewing professional representation, this episode is a masterclass in what not to do when navigating high-value negotiations.
But this story isn’t just about football – it’s about business. Gene draws from his own legal career and insider experience to expose the anatomy of a failed negotiation. He explores how organizations assess not just skills, but attitude, optics, and risk… because whether you’re closing a contract or climbing the corporate ladder, the same rules apply – and the stakes can be just as high.
Remember: negotiation is life.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Hard Knocks, HBO
- Deion Sanders on the Dan Patrick Show, February 7, 2025
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!