History of Deion Sanders in Timeline
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.
1920: Historical Reference - Bill Wambsganss' Triple Play
In 1920, Bill Wambsganss made an unassisted triple play in the World Series. This is notable because in the 1992 World Series, Deion Sanders narrowly avoided being a victim of what would have been only the second triple play in World Series history.
1961: Historical Reference - Charlie McNeil's Interception Record
In 1961, Charlie McNeil set a record for interception-return-yardage. During the 1994 season, Deion Sanders had his best season recording six interceptions and returning them for an NFL-best 303 yards.
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: 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, though he did not sign with the team.
1985: Kansas City Royals Draft
In 1985, Deion Sanders was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round, but he did not sign with them.
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.
May 16, 1987: Track and Baseball Championship
On May 16, 1987, Deion Sanders participated in a conference semifinal baseball game, ran a leg of a 4 × 100 relay, and then returned to play in the baseball championship game against Cincinnati, contributing to both the FSU track and baseball teams winning their respective conference titles.
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: Yankees Draft
In 1988, Deion Sanders was selected by the New York Yankees in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball draft and subsequently signed with the team on June 22.
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.
May 31, 1989: MLB Debut
On May 31, 1989, Deion Sanders made his Major League Baseball debut.
1989: Home Run and Touchdown
In 1989, Deion Sanders achieved the unique feat of hitting a home run in baseball and scoring a touchdown in the NFL within the same week.
1989: Marriage to Carolyn Chambers
In 1989, Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers.
1989: Yankees Spring Training
In 1989, Deion Sanders was invited to the Yankees' spring training and was assigned No. 30, resulting in disputes with veteran team players. He began the 1989 season with the Albany-Colonie Yankees.
1989: Sugar Bowl Interception
In 1989, during the 1988 postseason, Deion Sanders made a game-sealing interception with five seconds remaining in the 1989 Sugar Bowl, securing Florida State's 13-7 win over Auburn.
May 22, 1990: Dispute with Carlton Fisk
On May 22, 1990, Deion Sanders was involved in a dispute with Chicago White Sox catcher Carlton Fisk, following perceived disrespectful behavior during a game.
September 1990: Yankees Release
In September 1990, the Yankees placed Deion Sanders on waivers, intending to release him due to concerns that his football career was hindering his baseball development.
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".
1991: Salary Request
In 1991, Deion Sanders requested a $1 million salary from the Yankees, which led to the team ending negotiations for a contract extension.
1991: Signed with Atlanta Braves
In 1991, Deion Sanders signed with the Atlanta Braves for the MLB season. During the Braves' run to the National League West Division title, he left the team due to his NFL contract.
October 11, 1992: Attempt to Play Two Sports in One Day
On October 11, 1992, Deion Sanders played in a Falcons game and flew to Pittsburgh with hopes of playing in the Braves' League Championship Series game against the Pirates that evening, but he did not ultimately appear in the baseball game.
1992: Best Season in the Majors
During the 1992 season, Deion Sanders had his best year in the majors, hitting .304 for the Atlanta Braves, stealing 26 bases, and leading the NL with 14 triples in 97 games. In four games of the 1992 World Series, Sanders batted .533.
1992: World Series Appearance
In 1992, Deion Sanders made an appearance in the World Series, achieving the distinction of being the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
1992: Reworked NFL Deal
In 1992, Deion Sanders reworked his NFL deal, allowing him to report to the Falcons for training camp but rejoin the Braves for the postseason.
1993: Career-High Interceptions
In 1993, Deion Sanders recorded a career-high seven interceptions during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
May 30, 1994: Trade to Cincinnati Reds
On May 30, 1994, Deion Sanders was traded to the Cincinnati Reds by the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Roberto Kelly.
October 16, 1994: Return to Georgia Dome
On October 16, 1994, Deion Sanders made a dramatic return to the Georgia Dome in a 49ers uniform, intercepting a pass and mockingly staring down the Falcons sideline before scoring a touchdown.
December 1994: Release of "Straight to My Feet"
In December 1994, Hammer released "Straight to My Feet" with Deion Sanders, from the Street Fighter soundtrack.
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'".
1994: NFL Defensive Player of the Year
In 1994, Deion Sanders was selected as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
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.
July 21, 1995: Trade to San Francisco Giants
On July 21, 1995, Deion Sanders, along with several other players, was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the San Francisco Giants.
September 9, 1995: Signed with the Dallas Cowboys
On September 9, 1995, Deion Sanders signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, including a $12.99 million signing bonus, becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL at the time.
1995: "Straight to My Feet" Chart Success
In 1995, "Straight to My Feet," a song by Hammer featuring Deion Sanders, reached No. 57 in the UK charts.
1995: NFL "Deion Sanders Rule" Institution
In 1995, Deion Sanders signed with the Dallas Cowboys with a minimum salary and a large signing bonus, leading to the NFL instituting its own "Deion Sanders rule" regarding salary cap.
1995: Jersey Retired at Florida State
In 1995, Deion Sanders' No. 2 jersey at Florida State was retired in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the university's football program.
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.
1996: Two-Way Starter in the NFL
During the 1996 season, Deion Sanders became only the second two-way starter in the NFL since Chuck Bednarik, focusing on both offense and defense and skipping baseball to attend his first NFL training camp.
1997: Second in NL Stolen Bases
In 1997, Deion Sanders finished second in the National League with 56 stolen bases while playing for the Cincinnati Reds before temporarily leaving baseball.
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.
June 2, 2000: Release from the Dallas Cowboys
On June 2, 2000, Deion Sanders was released from the Dallas Cowboys as a salary-cap move after playing four seasons and earning Pro Bowl selections each year.
2000: Signed with the Washington Redskins
In 2000, after being released by the Cowboys, Deion Sanders signed a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Washington Redskins.
July 2001: Abrupt Retirement
In July 2001, Deion Sanders abruptly retired from the NFL after playing one year with the Washington Redskins, following the end of the 2000 season.
2001: Commentator for CBS' The NFL Today
After retiring from the NFL in 2001, Deion Sanders worked as a pre-game commentator for CBS' The NFL Today.
2001: Return to Reds and Blue Jays Contract
In 2001, Deion Sanders returned to the Cincinnati Reds but was released after 32 games. He then signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
December 23, 2002: Waived by the Redskins
On December 23, 2002, the Washington Redskins waived Deion Sanders from the reserve/retired list, potentially allowing him to play for the Oakland Raiders in the 2002-03 NFL playoffs.
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.
January 2004: Assistant Coach for Dallas Fury
In January 2004, Deion Sanders was hired as an assistant coach for the Dallas Fury, a women's professional basketball team, despite never having played organized basketball.
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.
2004: Return to the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens
In 2004, Deion Sanders came out of retirement and signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, choosing to wear number 37.
2004: Departure from CBS' The NFL Today
In 2004, Deion Sanders left CBS' The NFL Today after contract negotiations failed.
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.
2005: Played for the Ravens
In 2005, Deion Sanders played in every game of the season for the Baltimore Ravens.
January 2006: Second Retirement from NFL
In January 2006, Deion Sanders retired from the NFL after playing every game of the 2005 season with the Baltimore Ravens, who failed to make the postseason.
April 2006: Austin Wranglers Ownership
In April 2006, Deion Sanders became an owner of the Austin Wranglers, an Arena Football League team.
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.
2010: Analyst for NFL Network
In 2010, Deion Sanders joined NFL Network as an analyst, appearing on shows like NFL GameDay and Thursday Night Kickoff.
2010: Monitronics Spokesperson
In 2010, Deion Sanders served as a celebrity spokesperson for Monitronics, a security system firm.
February 6, 2011: Performed Coin Toss at Super Bowl XLV
On February 6, 2011, Deion Sanders performed the pre-game coin toss at Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas.
2011: Hall of Fame Induction
In 2011, Deion Sanders was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding achievements in football.
April 2012: Misdemeanor Assault Charges
In April 2012, Deion Sanders and his estranged wife, Pilar Sanders, faced misdemeanor assault charges after a dispute; however, a judge ruled that neither party committed family violence.
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.
2014: 2014 Pro Bowl and CBS Sports Analyst
In 2014, Deion Sanders was an alumni captain for Team Sanders in the Pro Bowl and re-joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst for Thursday games.
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.
2020: Head Coach of Jackson State
In 2020, Deion Sanders was named the head coach of the Jackson State Tigers, marking a significant step in his coaching career.
2021: First Season at Jackson State
In 2021, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to a 4-3 record in his first season.
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.
2021: SWAC Title and Eddie Robinson Award
In the fall 2021 season, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title and received the Eddie Robinson Award as the season's top FCS head coach.
December 3, 2022: Named 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 notably flipped the recruitment of defensive back Travis Hunter to Jackson State.
2022: Undefeated Regular Season
In 2022, under Deion Sanders' leadership, the Jackson State Tigers achieved their first undefeated regular season, a historic milestone for the school.
2023: Buffaloes Head Coach
In 2023, Deion Sanders became the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, continuing his coaching career at a new institution.
2023: First season with Colorado Buffaloes
In 2023, Deion Sanders coached the Colorado Buffaloes to a 4-8 season, with a 1-8 record in Pac-12 play, after a significant roster overhaul.
April 10, 2024: Endorsement Deal with Boost Mobile
On April 10, 2024, Deion Sanders entered into an endorsement deal with Boost Mobile.
