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 is a prominent figure in American sports, notable for his successful careers in both professional football and baseball. He played 14 seasons in the NFL for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, winning two Super Bowl titles. Simultaneously, he played nine seasons in MLB. Sanders achieved the rare feat of appearing in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, standing as the only athlete to accomplish this. Currently, he serves as the head football coach for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 9, 1967: Deion Sanders' Birth

On August 9, 1967, Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. was born in Fort Myers, Florida.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Marriage to Carolyn Chambers

In 1989, Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers.

February 18, 1995: Hosting Saturday Night Live

On February 18, 1995, Deion Sanders hosted Saturday Night Live, following his first Super Bowl victory with the San Francisco 49ers. He also performed a medley of songs from his "Prime Time" album.

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1997: Suicide Attempt

In 1997, 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: Hosting the Miss USA pageant

In 2002, Deion Sanders hosted the Miss USA pageant.

July 22, 2008: Appearance on Celebrity Family Feud

On July 22, 2008, Deion Sanders and his family appeared on Celebrity Family Feud, competing against the Kardashian-Jenner family.

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February 6, 2011: Super Bowl XLV Coin Toss

On February 6, 2011, Deion Sanders performed the pregame coin toss at Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas.

2012: Co-founding Prime Prep Academy

In 2012, Deion Sanders co-founded the charter school Prime Prep Academy.

2014: Appearance on Running Wild with Bear Grylls

In 2014, Deion Sanders was featured on an episode of Running Wild with Bear Grylls, hiking in the Utah desert.

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2015: Lip Sync Battle victory

In 2015, Deion Sanders competed against Justin Bieber on Spike's Lip Sync Battle and won, performing "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry and "Like a Virgin" by Madonna.

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2015: Divorce from Pilar Biggers-Sanders

In 2015, Deion Sanders divorced Pilar Biggers-Sanders.

2015: Prime Prep Academy Shutdown

In 2015, Prime Prep Academy, co-founded by Deion Sanders, shut down due to a lack of focus on academics, poor management, and significant debt.

January 21, 2017: Featured on Tiny House Nation

On January 21, 2017, Deion Sanders and his girlfriend Tracey Edmonds were featured on an episode of Tiny House Nation.

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2020: Graduation from Talladega College

In 2020, Deion Sanders graduated from Talladega College with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

2021: Foot Surgeries and Amputation

In 2021, Deion Sanders underwent several foot surgeries and had two toes on his left foot amputated due to blood clots.

2025: Shedeur Sanders drafted and Shilo Sanders Signed

In 2025, Deion Sanders's son Shedeur was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, and his son Shilo was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.