Texas Receiver Isaiah Bond Joins Shedeur Sanders, Others as Victims of NFL Draft Prank Calls…

In an unexpected twist during one of the most pivotal weekends for college football players, Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond found himself at the center of an unfortunate — and frustrating — trend: fake NFL draft calls. Bond, along with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and several other notable players, became victims of pranksters posing as NFL teams during the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the NFL Draft is meant to be a celebration of hard work, talent, and lifelong dreams coming true, a darker side of the event has emerged in recent years. This year, that trend reared its ugly head once again, with prank calls targeting some of the most highly anticipated players entering the league.

The Heartbreak Behind the Joke

For Isaiah Bond, the moment initially seemed like everything he had ever worked toward. As he sat surrounded by friends and family at a private watch party in Austin, Texas, his phone rang. On the other end was a voice claiming to represent an NFL front office — one of the organizations that had expressed heavy interest in him throughout the pre-draft process.

According to witnesses, Bond leapt to his feet, emotion overwhelming him as he tried to stay composed. His family erupted into tears of joy. However, the celebration was painfully short-lived. Within minutes, it became clear that no draft card had been turned in with his name. No commissioner call. No TV announcement. No real opportunity.

The call had been fake.

Sources close to Bond revealed that the call appeared to come from a spoofed number, making it appear authentic to the untrained eye. The caller pretended to represent an NFL team’s player personnel department, even going so far as to discuss contract details and expectations for minicamp. Bond, like many others, fell for the cruel trick.

Shedeur Sanders Also Targeted

Isaiah Bond wasn’t the only victim.

Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback from Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, also received a fraudulent call, sources confirmed. Sanders, projected as a potential second-round pick but ultimately going undrafted, was similarly duped by pranksters.

Despite a confident demeanor throughout the process, sources close to Sanders revealed that the incident left him momentarily rattled. His father, Deion Sanders, took to social media after the event, hinting at the pain his son endured:

“We teach resilience, but even the strongest hearts can be hurt when dreams are played with. These young men deserve better,” Coach Prime tweeted.

Both Bond and Sanders have since expressed that they are refocusing and ready to embrace opportunities as undrafted free agents if necessary. But the emotional toll of the night cannot be understated.

Growing Problem Across the NFL Draft Landscape

The prank call epidemic has been steadily growing over the past few drafts. With the increasing availability of personal contact information through leaks, social media, and public agent databases, pranksters have more tools than ever to wreak havoc.

The NFL has previously issued warnings about this behavior but has struggled to stem the tide. This year’s draft saw an unprecedented number of reported incidents, with at least ten players reportedly receiving fake calls, according to player agents and team sources.

A source within the NFL said:

“It’s absolutely disgusting. These kids are sitting there with their entire lives ahead of them, waiting on a dream, and some coward behind a blocked number is trying to crush it for laughs.”

The source added that the league will review policies and procedures to help prevent similar incidents in the future, but acknowledged that technology and human nature make it a difficult task.

Inside the Night: Bond’s Perspective

For Isaiah Bond, the night began with excitement and hope. After an electric season for Texas, where he became a standout deep threat and a reliable target in clutch moments, Bond was projected by many analysts to be a Day 2 pick — possibly late second or early third round.

Bond’s agent had prepared him for a range of outcomes, but neither he nor his camp could have predicted the emotional whiplash of a prank call.

One attendee at Bond’s draft party described the scene:

“You could just see his face light up. He was trying to hold it together but you could tell he thought it was real. Everyone was hugging, crying. And then… nothing. It was like the air got sucked out of the room.”

Bond reportedly spent a few minutes alone in a side room afterward to compose himself before returning to the gathering with a smile, trying to keep the mood positive for his family.

“He’s a warrior,” his coach at Texas said. “Isaiah’s the kind of guy who turns pain into motivation.”

The Broader Impact on Draft Culture

The NFL Draft has always been a high-emotion event. Dreams are realized in real-time, changing families’ lives forever. But the emergence of prank calls adds a sinister undertone to the festivities.

Former players and analysts have weighed in heavily over the weekend. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former NFL front office executive, lambasted the pranksters live on air:

“To target kids during the biggest night of their lives, that’s despicable. There needs to be real consequences.”

Former players like J.J. Watt and Dez Bryant also tweeted their support for victims like Bond and Sanders, calling for stricter protections and consequences for perpetrators.

Even celebrities outside of sports chimed in. Actor Michael B. Jordan tweeted:

“Imagine your biggest dream becoming a nightmare because of some troll. Sickening. We have to do better.”

Possible Legal Action?

Some in the legal community have speculated whether prank callers could face legal consequences. While prank calls themselves are not always illegal, misrepresentation — especially with intent to cause emotional distress — can cross into criminal territory.

Attorney Gloria Allred told reporters:

“If someone knowingly impersonates an NFL team to manipulate and emotionally harm a player, that could fall under several statutes depending on the state, including fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress.”

Bond’s camp has not indicated whether they will pursue legal action, but there is increasing pressure from agents and players’ associations to explore those avenues to deter future incidents.

NFL’s Response and Future Protections

Following a flurry of complaints, the NFL released a brief statement:

“We are aware of reports of prank calls made to prospective players during the Draft. We condemn these actions in the strongest terms and will be reviewing procedures with our clubs and partners to ensure players are protected during this special time.”

Sources within the league say next year’s draft could feature new measures such as:

• Verified private call lines between teams and players.
• Enhanced education for prospects on how legitimate draft calls should be handled.
• A partnership with telecom companies to flag suspicious numbers during the draft period.

However, many argue that these measures, while helpful, cannot fully prevent determined bad actors from causing harm.

Bond’s Future: “This Doesn’t Define Me”

In the immediate aftermath, Isaiah Bond has made it clear: he’s not dwelling on the prank call.

In a heartfelt Instagram post Sunday morning, Bond wrote:

“Last night wasn’t what I dreamed of, but my journey isn’t over. I’m grateful for everyone who believes in me. Drafted or not, my story’s just getting started. #TrustTheProcess”

Multiple NFL teams have reportedly reached out to Bond’s agent, expressing interest in signing him as an undrafted free agent. Given his talent, work ethic, and high character, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he makes an NFL roster — prank call or not.

One AFC scout told reporters:

“Isaiah Bond is the kind of guy you want in your building. Someone’s going to get a steal.”

Shedeur Sanders Also Moving Forward

Similarly, Shedeur Sanders is taking the high road. Despite the prank call and the disappointment of going undrafted, Sanders remains confident in his abilities.

Deion Sanders has confirmed that his son has already lined up multiple minicamp invites and will “absolutely” be on an NFL roster this fall.

“It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish,” Deion said. “My son is going to show the world who he is.”

Conclusion: Rising Above the Noise

The 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered for incredible talent, emotional moments, and game-changing selections. But it will also be remembered for the cruel prank calls that marred what should have been unfiltered joy for players like Isaiah Bond and Shedeur Sanders.

Still, if there’s one thing these young men have proven, it’s resilience.

Bond, Sanders, and others victimized during the draft are now determined to let their work on the field, not the cruelty of pranksters, define their careers.

The NFL, their families, and their future teams — whoever they may be — will undoubtedly be better for it.