Current Colorado and former Jackson State coach Deion Sanders tweeted he was ‘ashamed’ of 31 NFL teams for passing on former JSU cornerback Isaiah Bolden for seven rounds of the 2023 NFL draft as well as passing on other 'draft worthy' Tiger players.
Bolden lasted until pick No. 245, when the New England Patriots used their 12th and final selection of the draft to acquire the defensive back.
Sanders congratulated Bolden on Saturday and took aim at teams for electing not to select several of his other former players.
“So proud is you @isaiahbolden23,” tweeted Sanders. “You deserved to be drafted much higher but I'm truly proud of u. I know how much u want this. I'm ashamed of the 31 other @nfl teams that couldn't find draft value in ALL of the talented HBCU players & we had 3 more draft worthy players at JSU.”
So proud is you @isaiahbolden23 You deserved to be drafted much higher but I'm truly proud of u. I know how much u want this. I'm ashamed of the 31 other @nfl teams that couldn't find draft value in ALL of the talented HBCU players & we had 3 more draft worthy players at JSU. pic.twitter.com/BfEm3zIGPH
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 30, 2023
After starting his career at Florida State, Bolden transferred to Jackson State to play for Sanders. In his first year playing for the Tigers in 2021, the electric talent led the nation by averaging 36.9 yards per kickoff return.
Earlier in the day, the 6’5” Bolden, who recorded 44 tackles and seven pass breakups in his senior campaign, tweeted “Don’t feel sorry for me my story just began.”
Don’t feel sorry for me my story just began
— I.B (@isaiahbolden23) April 29, 2023
While Bolden appeared to take the high road and show appreciation for the opportunity to fulfill his dreams, his former head coach was clearly bothered by what he felt was disrespect to his former players.
