Shedeur Sanders watch flex: Explaining the origin of celebration sweeping sports, from Breece Hall to Chet Holmgren

Emily Dozier

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Shedeur Sanders watch flex: Explaining the origin of celebration sweeping sports, from Breece Hall to Chet Holmgren image

You've seen it, you know it, you either love it or hate it.

Regardless, the Shedeur Sanders watch flex has been sweeping sports since the Colorado QB flashed it against Colorado State. It's a move Sanders pulls out after feeling disrespected or doubted to say, "Perfect timin."

Deion Sanders and his Buffaloes have been a sensation this season, creating excitement in college football, particularly among Colorado and Deion fans.

This time, it's his son making the noise with his diamonds. Unsurprisingly, Deion is all on board as the celebration gains popularity among other athletes and celebrities.

If you want to know how the Shedeur started, here's all you need to know.

MORE: Shedeur Sanders says he went into Brady ode as he pulls out another Colorado win

Shedeur Sanders watch

The watch worn by Shedeur Sanders is a Royal Oak manufactured by Swiss company Audemars Piguet, which typically cost about $30,000. Sanders' watch, which is stainless steel and customized with more than 30 carats of diamonds, is worth $70,000.

Shedeur Sanders
(Getty Images)

How did the Shedeur Sanders watch flex start?

Sanders pulled out the watch flex against Nebraska after players stepped on the Folsom Field Colorado logo during practice. 

It really took off the next week after a double overtime victory against Colorado State. Rams' head coach Jay Norvell notably dissed Deion Sanders prior to the game, and the QB took it personally.

"I was just waiting the whole time to put a watch on ‘em," Sanders said in an interview after the game.

Sanders made sure to pull out his signature celebration in front of Arizona State's crowd after a late win in a chirpy stadium. 

For Sanders, it's about proving critics wrong, asking them to look at where he is. He wants to show off his expensive, flashy watch that he's earned, an accent he and his father are often critiqued about. And, generally, he's proven himself, leading the country in passing yards with 2020. Doesn't mean opponents Oregon and USC, who each beat Colorado, won't mock the celebration.

The watch is a family affair. Deion was known for his flashy Rolex back in his playing days. Sanders, when he was at Jacksonville State, gifted his brother one. Now, he's known for his own glitz and glam. Deion says his son needs a deal now, and he can't keep showing off his $70,0000 watch.

Maybe he'll get one soon as the celebration continues across the sports world.

MORE: Details and price of Shedeur Sanders custom Audemars Piguet timepiece

Who's done the Shedeur Sanders watch flex?

Celebrities and athletes all over are pulling out the Shedeur, showing off their wrists and watches in celebration.

Deion said it was really DJ Khaled and Rick Ross who sealed the deal on the signature flex.

It's picking up in professional leagues, as we've seen it in the NFL and NBA with more likely to come.

The Jets' Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson wasted no time with the celebration, stunting soon after beating the Broncos.

"We gotta do the Shedeur," Hall said.

For Devontae Adams, it was personal. He flexed his wrist walking through Allegiant Stadium before the game against the Packers. He was traded to Las Vegas after eight seasons with Green Bay.

Chet Holmgren made sure to flex the Shedeur despite an empty wrist. He pulled it out early in Oklahoma City's preseason game against San Antonio and finished with 21 points and nine rebounds.

Emily Dozier

Emily Dozier Photo

Emily Dozier is a live events and lifestyle writer at The Sporting News, covering everything from sporting events and music festivals to broadway shows and stand-up comedy. Based out of New York, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. When not covering the SN tickets beat, Emily enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Prior to joining The Sporting News in 2023, Emily covered the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup for the Associated Press.