Early Life and Education of Deion Sanders: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Deion Sanders, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Deion Sanders, nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Coach Prime", is an American football coach and former player currently coaching the Colorado Buffaloes. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons across multiple teams, including the Falcons, 49ers, and Cowboys. Sanders also played nine seasons as an outfielder in MLB with teams like the Yankees and Braves. He uniquely participated in both a Super Bowl (winning two) and a World Series, making him the only athlete to achieve both feats.
August 9, 1967: Deion Sanders Born
On August 9, 1967, Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. was born. He later became a celebrated football coach and former NFL player known as "Prime Time" and "Coach Prime".
1985: All-Century Team
In 1985, Deion Sanders was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team, recognizing him as one of the top 33 high school football players in the state's history.
1986: All-American Third Team
In 1986, Deion Sanders was named a third-team All-American while playing college football at Florida State University.
1986: Batting Average of .331
In 1986, while playing baseball at Florida State, Deion Sanders had a batting average of .331.
1987: 27 Stolen Bases
In 1987, Deion Sanders compiled 27 stolen bases while playing baseball at Florida State.
1987: Consensus All-American
In 1987, Deion Sanders was recognized as a consensus All-American cornerback for his performance at Florida State University.
1988: "Deion Sanders Rule" Creation
In 1988, Deion Sanders did not attend classes or take final exams during the fall semester of his senior year at Florida State, yet played in the Sugar Bowl against Auburn, leading to the creation of the "Deion Sanders rule".
1988: Two-Time Consensus All-American and Punt Return Leader
In 1988, Deion Sanders was a two-time consensus All-American and led the nation in punt return average while at Florida State.
1988: Jim Thorpe Award
In 1988, Deion Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award while playing college football as a cornerback for the Florida State Seminoles.
1989: Marriage to Carolyn Chambers
In 1989, Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers.
1990: "The Bo and Prime Time Show"
In 1990, Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, two prominent multi-sport athletes, faced off in five baseball games, with the most memorable encounter occurring on July 17 in what was billed as "The Bo and Prime Time Show".
December 26, 1994: Release of Prime Time Rap Album
On December 26, 1994, Deion Sanders released "Prime Time", a rap album on MC Hammer's Bust It Records, featuring the singles "Must Be the Money" and "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'".
January 1995: Spokesman for Sega Sports
In January 1995, Deion Sanders became the spokesman for the Sega Sports line of video games.
February 18, 1995: Hosted Saturday Night Live
On February 18, 1995, following his first Super Bowl victory with the San Francisco 49ers, Deion Sanders hosted Saturday Night Live and performed songs from his rap album.
1995: Appeared in music videos
In 1995, Deion Sanders, as Hammer's friend, appeared in the "2 Legit 2 Quit" music video and his alter-ego "Prime Time" showed up in Hammer's "Pumps and a Bump" music video.
1997: Suicide Attempt
In 1997, during a difficult period, Deion Sanders attempted suicide by driving a car off a cliff in Cincinnati while playing for the Reds.
1998: Divorce from Carolyn Chambers
In 1998, Deion Sanders divorced Carolyn Chambers.
1999: Marriage to Pilar Biggers-Sanders
In 1999, Deion Sanders married Pilar Biggers-Sanders.
2002: Hosted Miss USA Pageant
In 2002, Deion Sanders hosted the Miss USA pageant.
2003: Mentorship of Devin Hester Begins
In 2003, Deion Sanders began mentoring Devin Hester, a return specialist from Miami, offering counsel and advice during Hester's collegiate career.
April 2004: Co-Hosted GMA Dove Awards
In late April 2004, Deion Sanders co-hosted the GMA Dove Awards broadcast.
May 2004: UPN Canceled GMA Dove Awards Broadcast
In May 2004, UPN canceled the GMA Dove Awards broadcast featuring Deion Sanders.
December 2004: GMA Dove Awards Aired on i Network
In December 2004, the GMA Dove Awards broadcast, co-hosted by Deion Sanders, aired on the i Network.
September 2, 2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Challenge
On September 2, 2005, Deion Sanders challenged professional athletes to donate $1,000 each for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
2006: Hester Drafted by the Chicago Bears
In 2006, Devin Hester, whom Deion Sanders mentored, was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the NFL draft.
2007: Mentoring Noel Devine
In 2007, Deion Sanders mentored high school running back Noel Devine, influencing Devine's decision to sign with West Virginia University.
July 22, 2008: Appearance on Celebrity Family Feud
On July 22, 2008, Deion Sanders and his family appeared on Celebrity Family Feud.
2012: Head Coach at Prime Prep Academy
In 2012, Deion Sanders became the head coach for the Prime Prep Academy, which he co-founded.
2012: Prime Prep Academy Co-Foundation and Assault Allegation
In 2012, Deion Sanders co-founded Prime Prep Academy and was later accused of assaulting CFO Kevin Johnson, leading to a no contest plea and fine.
2013: Continued as Head Coach at Prime Prep Academy
Deion Sanders continued as the head coach for Prime Prep Academy in 2013.
2013: Custody Dispute Resolution
In 2013, a Texas jury granted Deion Sanders sole custody of his two sons and joint custody of his daughter after a bitter custody dispute with Pilar Sanders.
2013: Leon Sandcastle Super Bowl Commercial Debut
In 2013, the Leon Sandcastle character, a fictional disguise for Deion Sanders, debuted in a Super Bowl commercial for the NFL Network.
2013: Leon Sandcastle's Fictional NFL Combine Presence
In 2013, the NFL created combine videos and a profile for Leon Sandcastle, Deion Sanders' alter ego, and he appeared at Rich Eisen's 'Run Rich Run' event, further popularizing the character.
2014: Featured on Running Wild with Bear Grylls
In 2014, Deion Sanders appeared on "Running Wild with Bear Grylls," hiking through the Utah desert for two days, rappelling down canyon walls, and climbing a mesa.
2015: CEO of FOCUS Academies and Coaching at Triple A Academy
In 2015, Deion Sanders became the CEO of FOCUS Academies and head coach at Triple A Academy, leading the team against his alma mater.
2015: Lip Sync Battle Victory
In 2015, Deion Sanders competed and won against Justin Bieber on Spike's Lip Sync Battle with performances of "Play That Funky Music" and "Like a Virgin".
2015: Divorce from Pilar Biggers-Sanders
In 2015, Deion Sanders divorced Pilar Biggers-Sanders.
2015: Head Coach for Triple A Academy
In 2015, Deion Sanders was hired as the head coach for Triple A Academy.
2015: Prime Prep Academy Shutdown
In 2015, Prime Prep Academy, co-founded by Deion Sanders, shut down due to financial mismanagement and debt.
January 21, 2017: Tiny House Nation Feature
On January 21, 2017, Deion Sanders and his girlfriend Tracey Edmonds were featured on an episode of Tiny House Nation.
August 17, 2017: Offensive Coordinator at Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill
On August 17, 2017, Deion Sanders became the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill high school, where his sons played.
2017: Offensive Coordinator at Trinity Christian High School
In 2017, Deion Sanders became the offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian High School.
2018: Undercover Boss Appearance
In 2018, Deion Sanders appeared in disguise on Undercover Boss, where he met with youth coaches and less fortunate individuals; the episode aired on CBS.
September 21, 2020: Head Coach of Jackson State Tigers
On September 21, 2020, Deion Sanders became the 21st head coach of the Jackson State Tigers.
2020: Talladega College Graduation
In 2020, Deion Sanders graduated from Talladega College with a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis on organizational management.
2021: Foot Surgeries and Toe Amputations
In 2021, Deion Sanders underwent several foot surgeries and had two toes on his left foot amputated due to blood clots.
December 3, 2022: Named Head Coach of Colorado Buffaloes
On December 3, 2022, Deion Sanders was named the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.
