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 now "Coach Prime", is an American football coach and former player. He currently coaches the Colorado Buffaloes. Sanders played 14 seasons in the NFL for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys. Notably, he also played nine seasons in MLB. He's the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, winning two Super Bowls. His unique two-sport career solidified his status as a prominent figure in both football and baseball.

Sections (4)

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

August 9, 1967: Deion Sanders Born

Deion Sanders was born on August 9, 1967. He would later become known as "Prime Time" and "Coach Prime."

Others born on this day/year

1985: Drafted by Kansas City Royals

In 1985, Deion Sanders was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he chose to attend Florida State University instead of signing with the Royals.

1985: All-Century Team Honoree

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.

1988: "Deion Sanders rule" creation

In 1988, Deion Sanders did not attend classes or take final exams during his senior year at Florida State, yet played in the Sugar Bowl against Auburn. This caused the state legislature to create the "Deion Sanders rule".

1989: Marriage to Carolyn Chambers

In 1989, Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers.

1997: Suicide Attempt

In 1997, during a difficult time in his life, 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.

July 22, 2008: Appearance on Celebrity Family Feud

On July 22, 2008, Deion Sanders appeared with his family on Celebrity Family Feud, competing against Caitlyn and Kris Jenner, and Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Kardashian.

2012: Head Coach at Prime Prep Academy

In 2012, Deion Sanders became the head coach for the Prime Prep Academy, which he co-founded, and stayed in the position for two years.

2014: Featured on Running Wild with Bear Grylls

In 2014, Deion Sanders was featured on an episode of Running Wild with Bear Grylls, where he and Grylls hiked in the desert of southern Utah for two days.

2015: Lip Sync Battle Win

In 2015, Deion Sanders competed against Justin Bieber on Spike's Lip Sync Battle and won with performances of "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: Head Coach for Triple A Academy

In 2015, Deion Sanders was hired as the head coach for Triple A Academy, where he remained for two seasons.

2015: Prime Prep Academy Closure

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

2017: Offensive Coordinator at Trinity Christian High School

In 2017, Deion Sanders became the offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian High School, coaching his sons Shilo and Shedeur Sanders, as well as his eldest son Deion Jr.

2018: Appearance on Undercover Boss

In 2018, Deion Sanders appeared in disguise on Undercover Boss on CBS, meeting with youth coaches and the less fortunate.

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, a historically black university (HBCU), playing in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

2020: Graduation from Talladega College

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 Amputation

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

December 3, 2022: Head Coach of Colorado Buffaloes

On December 3, 2022, Deion Sanders was named the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.

2022: Recruitment of Travis Hunter

In 2022, Deion Sanders flipped the recruitment of defensive back Travis Hunter, who was the number one overall recruit in the 2022 class, from Florida State to Jackson State. This was considered a historic moment for HBCU recruiting.

2023: First season as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes

In 2023, Deion Sanders extensively used the transfer portal to replace nearly the entire Colorado Buffaloes' roster, and the team finished the season with a 4-8 record.