Diego Pavia handed lifeline by NFL team amid Deion Sanders message and Pat McAfee floating new career

Diego Pavia has been handed an NFL lifeline by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Vanderbilt quarterback lived up to his reputation as one of the most polarizing players in college football when he went undrafted through seven rounds this weekend.

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Pavia, who led the Commodores to a 10–3 record in 2025 and finished second behind No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in Heisman Trophy voting, watched as 257 names were called instead of his in Pittsburgh.

He’s the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014.

But his NFL dream might not be dead, thanks to the Ravens.

Deion Sanders shares support as Diego Pavia handed lifeline by Super Bowl contender

Pavia accepted to an invitation Sunday to attend next weekend’s rookie minicamp in Baltimore, and will compete against UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano, who also is getting a tryout.

The Ravens have a spot for a No. 3 developmental QB on their roster, and didn’t use one of their 11 draft picks in 2026 to take a signal caller.

Fagnano and Pavia will now battle for that position behind franchise star Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley.

The latter’s dual-threat style of play would likely fit well with the two quarterbacks ahead of him.

Ahead of that competition, NFL great Deion Sanders sent a message of support to Pavia, who slipped through all seven rounds of the draft.

“I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN!” he posted on X Saturday evening.

“Stay strong and don’t let up. Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget.

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“Much love and God bless you.”

Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders, suffered a similar draft slide in 2025, before eventually landing with the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick.

Pavia, though, has a tougher road to the field.

Despite an impressive senior season with Vanderbilt, both his age (24), and height (5-foot-10) have been called into question, as well as his off-field behavior.

He faced criticism for his actions at the Heisman ceremony after missing out on the award, and has struggled to shake his reputation since.

Pat McAfee touts Diego Pavia for big opportunity away from NFL

But if the Ravens go in a different direction, legendary punter-turned-analyst Pat McAfee believes Pavia will be just fine away from the NFL.

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“I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball, just an absolute sensation turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly,” he posted on X.

“I think a lot of what made him fantastic for college was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL ‘prospect’.

“Size, speed, style of play, personality… you name it, all of it PERFECT for college — not necessarily the prototypical NFL ‘prospect’.

“If he gets in a building and finds success I’d be pumped for him and his family.

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“NOW, if it doesn’t work out… is he not the UFL QB Blueprint?”

McAfee then went on to suggest that Pavia can become the face of the United Football League, which was created following the merger of the XFL and United States Football League.

“Recognizable name… can move… not scared to promote,” he continued.

“UFL’s getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball, can bump that a bit with some name brands (out) there…

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“Feels like an opportune time for the UFL… and for the Pavia show.”

Signing up for the UFL, if he doesn’t get a shot with the Ravens, could be a solid pivot for Pavia.

But right now, he will be fully focused on making an impression at Baltimore’s minicamp — which runs from May 1-3 — and beating out Fagnano for the No. 3 QB spot.

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