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The Big 12 Conference’s inaugural Pro Day had its share of standouts Thursday, but one thing it did not have was Shedeur Sanders working out.

The Colorado quarterback elected not to participate in workouts, though he was in attendance at the event in Frisco, Texas, highlighting the top NFL prospects in the Big 12, and he told NFL Network (broadcasting the event) that he isn’t letting critics get to him.

“It’s a lot of critics, it’s a lot of hate,” Sanders said. “But we know what to do. We know how to handle that in every way, so we remain happy.”

The showcase, which continues through Friday, features more than 200 football players from the conference. Among the notable participants on Thursday included Arizona’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who posted the best 40 time of all running backs (4.45), and Utah’s Caleb Lohner, who bested all tight ends with a 37-inch vertical jump.

Perhaps the highest-profile athlete in attendance, Sanders chose instead to work out at Colorado’s “CU Football Showcase” on April 4. He spoke about his approach and the NFL draft process in general.

“It’s definitely a learning experience,” Sanders said. “A lot of things aren’t in your control, and getting the knowledge from Dad (Deion Sanders) … coaches, family and friends and everybody that’s supporting me and helping me through this process, it’s extremely important. I’m thankful that I have those resources.”

Sanders is considered a top target of the New York Giants, who select No. 3 overall and have recently parted ways with their previous starting quarterback, Daniel Jones.

Sanders was the Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team quarterback on the All-Big 12 team in 2024, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns for 9-4 Colorado, finishing eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting.

Other standouts from the Big 12 workouts have included Arizona State running back DeCarlos Brooks (10-foot, 10-inch broad jump), Oklahoma State tight end Jake Schultz (31 bench press) and UCF running back Peny Boone (6.93 3-cone).

–Field Level Media