History of Deion Sanders in Timeline
Deion Sanders, also known as "Prime Time", is a former professional athlete in both American football and baseball. He is the only person to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. In the NFL, he played 14 seasons, winning two Super Bowls. In MLB, he played nine seasons and appeared in the 1992 World Series. He is currently the head football coach for the Colorado Buffaloes.
1920: First Triple Play in World Series History
The first and, until 1992, only triple play in World Series history occurred in 1920, involving Bill Wambsganss. This event is referenced in the context of Deion Sanders' near triple play.
1961: Charlie McNeil's Record-Breaking Season
In 1961, Charlie McNeil set a single-season record for interception return yards, a record that Deion Sanders would later surpass in 1994.
August 9, 1967: Birth of Deion Sanders
Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. was born on August 9, 1967.
1985: Drafted by the Royals
The Kansas City Royals drafted Deion Sanders in the sixth round of the 1985 Major League Baseball draft, though he chose not to sign with them at that time.
1985: High School Athletic Recognition
Deion Sanders was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team in 1985, recognizing his exceptional high school football career.
1986: College Football Success
Deion Sanders achieved third-team All-American honors in 1986 while playing college football for the Florida State Seminoles.
1986: Impressive College Baseball Performance
Deion Sanders showcased his versatility by excelling in college baseball, achieving a .331 batting average for Florida State in 1986.
May 16, 1987: A Day of Multi-Sport Dominance
On May 16, 1987, Deion Sanders displayed his extraordinary athleticism by competing in both a conference semifinal baseball game and a 4x100 relay race for Florida State, all while helping his baseball team win the conference championship.
1987: Speed on the Basepaths
Deion Sanders continued to impress in college baseball, recording 27 stolen bases in 1987.
1987: Continued Success on the Football Field
Deion Sanders earned consensus All-American cornerback recognition in 1987.
1988: Dominating College Football
Deion Sanders earned his second consecutive consensus All-American cornerback recognition and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988. He also led the nation in punt return average.
1988: The "Deion Sanders Rule"
During his senior year at Florida State University in 1988, Deion Sanders' participation in the Sugar Bowl despite not attending classes or taking final exams during the fall semester prompted the state legislature to enact the "Deion Sanders rule." This rule stipulated that football athletes at state universities could not play in bowl games if they did not successfully complete the preceding semester, highlighting the academic responsibilities of student-athletes.
1988: Drafted by the Yankees
The New York Yankees selected Deion Sanders in the 30th round of the 1988 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed with the team on June 22nd.
May 31, 1989: MLB Debut
Deion Sanders made his Major League Baseball debut on May 31, 1989.
1989: Sanders Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons
Deion Sanders was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his illustrious NFL career.
1989: Deion Sanders Drafted into the NFL
Deion Sanders was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft.
1989: Spring Training and Contract Dispute
Deion Sanders attended spring training with the New York Yankees in 1989. He was involved in a contract dispute with the Atlanta Falcons, using his position with the Yankees as leverage.
1989: Sanders' First Marriage
Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers in 1989.
1989: Historic Dual-Sport Achievement
Deion Sanders made history in 1989 by hitting a home run in MLB and scoring a touchdown in the NFL in the same week, a feat never achieved before.
1989: Sugar Bowl Victory
Deion Sanders had a game-sealing interception in the 1989 Sugar Bowl, helping Florida State secure a 13-7 victory over Auburn.
May 22, 1990: Confrontation with Carlton Fisk
Deion Sanders was involved in a heated on-field dispute with Chicago White Sox catcher Carlton Fisk on May 22, 1990, sparking controversy and debate about sportsmanship.
September 1990: Departure from the Yankees
The New York Yankees placed Deion Sanders on waivers in September 1990, effectively ending his tenure with the team.
1990: "The Bo and Prime Time Show"
Deion Sanders faced off against fellow multi-sport star Bo Jackson in a series of memorable baseball games in 1990, dubbed "The Bo and Prime Time Show."
1991: Salary Dispute with Yankees
Deion Sanders' request for a $1 million salary for the 1991 season led to the New York Yankees ending contract negotiations with him.
1991: Sanders Joins the Atlanta Braves and Hits Key Homer
In 1991, Deion Sanders signed with the Atlanta Braves, showcasing his two-sport athleticism. He hit a crucial three-run homer on July 31st, contributing to the Braves' National League West Division title pursuit.
October 11, 1992: Sanders Attempts to Play in Both MLB and NFL on the Same Day
On October 11, 1992, Deion Sanders aimed to make history by playing in both an NFL game for the Atlanta Falcons and an MLB playoff game for the Atlanta Braves on the same day. While he participated in the Falcons game, he did not take the field for the Braves.
1992: Sanders Makes History with Super Bowl and World Series Appearances
In 1992, Deion Sanders became the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
1992: Sanders' Near Triple Play in the World Series
During Game 3 of the 1992 World Series, Deion Sanders narrowly avoided being part of only the second triple play in World Series history. A controversial call by umpire Bob Davidson ruled him safe at second base, adding to the drama of the game.
1992: Sanders' Impressive MLB Season and World Series Performance
In 1992, Deion Sanders had his best MLB season, hitting .304 with 26 stolen bases and leading the National League with 14 triples in just 97 games. He continued to excel in the World Series, batting .533 despite playing with a broken bone in his foot.
1993: Sanders' Defensive Prowess with the Falcons
In 1993, Deion Sanders showcased his exceptional defensive skills while playing for the Atlanta Falcons, notably recording a career-high seven interceptions that season.
May 30, 1994: Sanders Traded to the Cincinnati Reds
On May 30, 1994, Deion Sanders was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Roberto Kelly. This trade marked a shift in his MLB career.
October 16, 1994: Sanders' Memorable Return to Atlanta and Interception Celebration
On October 16, 1994, Deion Sanders returned to Atlanta as a member of the San Francisco 49ers and made a statement with a 93-yard interception return touchdown against his former team. His memorable celebration, mocking his former teammates, added to the drama of the game.
December 1994: "Street Fighter" Soundtrack Collaboration
Deion Sanders collaborated with MC Hammer on the song "Straight to My Feet," which was featured on the "Street Fighter" soundtrack released in December 1994. This collaboration highlighted their friendship and Sanders' involvement in various entertainment projects.
December 1994: Release of 'Street Fighter' Soundtrack with MC Hammer
The 'Street Fighter' soundtrack, featuring Deion Sanders' collaboration with MC Hammer on the song "Straight to My Feet," was released in December 1994.
December 26, 1994: Prime Time Album Release
Deion Sanders, known for his flamboyant personality and style, released his rap album "Prime Time" on December 26, 1994. The album, featuring singles like "Must Be the Money" and "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'," showcased his ventures beyond the football field and into the music industry.
1994: NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Deion Sanders received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1994, recognizing his exceptional performance and impact on the field. This accolade solidified his status as one of the league's most dominant defensive players.
January 1995: Spokesman for Sega Sports and Appearances in Commercials
In January 1995, Deion Sanders became the spokesman for Sega Sports video games. He also appeared in commercials for brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Pizza Hut, showcasing his rising popularity.
February 18, 1995: Saturday Night Live Appearance
Following his Super Bowl victory with the San Francisco 49ers, Deion Sanders hosted Saturday Night Live on February 18, 1995. During the show, he performed a medley of songs from his "Prime Time" album, further demonstrating his multifaceted personality and entertainment skills.
July 21, 1995: Sanders Traded to the San Francisco Giants
On July 21, 1995, Deion Sanders was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the San Francisco Giants, marking another move in his baseball career.
September 9, 1995: Sanders Joins the Dallas Cowboys
On September 9, 1995, Deion Sanders signed a lucrative contract with the Dallas Cowboys, joining a star-studded team with aspirations for a Super Bowl title.
1995: The "Deion Sanders Rule" (NFL)
In 1995, Deion Sanders' contract with the Dallas Cowboys, which included a minimum base salary and a significant signing bonus, led to the NFL implementing its own "Deion Sanders rule." This rule ensured that a prorated portion of a player's signing bonus counted against the salary cap, impacting contract negotiations and salary structures within the league.
1995: Music Video Appearances and Business Ventures
Deion Sanders made appearances in MC Hammer's music videos for "2 Legit 2 Quit" and "Pumps and a Bump," further solidifying their association and shared interest in music and entertainment. MC Hammer's foray into sports management with Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management, which represented Deion Sanders, demonstrated the intersection of their careers and business endeavors.
1995: Music Career and Debut Album
In 1995, Deion Sanders further pursued his music career, releasing his debut album 'Prime Time' under MC Hammer's label.
1995: Jersey Retirement
Florida State University retired Deion Sanders' No. 2 jersey in 1995, a testament to his outstanding college football career.
1996: Two-Way Player
Deion Sanders focused solely on football in 1996, even skipping the baseball season. He attended his first NFL training camp to enhance his skills as a wide receiver. This dedication led him to become a two-way starter, a rarity in the NFL, showcasing his exceptional versatility and athleticism.
1997: Sanders Excels in Stolen Bases Before Hiatus
In 1997, Deion Sanders finished second in the National League with an impressive 56 stolen bases in 115 games while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. After this season, he took a three-year break from baseball.
1997: Sanders' Suicide Attempt
In 1997, during a tumultuous period marked by the end of his first marriage, Deion Sanders revealed that he attempted suicide by driving his car off a cliff in Cincinnati. He was unharmed in the incident.
1998: Publication of Sanders' Autobiography
In 1998, Deion Sanders, in collaboration with J. M. Black, released his autobiography titled "Power, Money & Sex: How Success Almost Ruined My Life." The book, published by Word Publishing, was inspired by his counseling sessions with Bishop T. D. Jakes and explores the challenges he faced amidst success.
1998: End of Sanders' First Marriage
Deion Sanders' first marriage, to Carolyn Chambers, ended in 1998.
1999: Sanders' Second Marriage
Deion Sanders married Pilar Biggers in 1999.
June 2, 2000: Sanders Released by the Cowboys
On June 2, 2000, in a salary-cap move, the Dallas Cowboys released Deion Sanders, ending his tenure with the team after five successful seasons.
2000: Sanders' Season with the Washington Redskins
Following his release from the Cowboys, Deion Sanders signed with the Washington Redskins. He had a statistically solid season before his retirement in 2001.
July 2001: Sanders' Abrupt Retirement from the NFL
In July 2001, after just one season with the Washington Redskins, Deion Sanders unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 33.
2001: Retirement from NFL and Start of Broadcasting Career
Deion Sanders retired from the NFL in 2001 and began working as a pre-game commentator for CBS's 'The NFL Today'.
2001: Sanders' Brief Return to Baseball and Minor League Stint
Deion Sanders returned to the Cincinnati Reds in 2001 but was released after struggling. He then signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, who assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate, marking the end of his MLB career.
December 23, 2002: Multiple Teams Attempt to Sign Sanders Out of Retirement
On December 23, 2002, Deion Sanders's NFL rights were placed on waivers, sparking interest from several teams hoping for a late-season addition. Despite attempts by multiple teams to acquire him, he was unable to play that season due to NFL rules.
2002: Guest Appearances and Hosting Gigs
Deion Sanders made guest appearances on ESPN, hosted a show called 'The New American Sportsman', and even hosted the Miss USA pageant in 2002.
2003: Mentoring Devin Hester
Deion Sanders began mentoring Devin Hester, a talented return specialist from the University of Miami, in 2003.
January 2004: Sanders Becomes Assistant Coach for Dallas Fury
Despite having no prior experience in organized basketball, Deion Sanders was hired as an assistant coach for the Dallas Fury, a women's professional team in the National Women's Basketball League, in January 2004.
April 2004: Co-hosting the GMA Dove Awards
Deion Sanders co-hosted the 2004 GMA Dove Awards, which was taped in late April 2004.
May 2004: Cancellation of Dove Awards Broadcast
The scheduled broadcast of the 2004 GMA Dove Awards on UPN was canceled in May 2004 after Sanders' contract negotiations with CBS's 'The NFL Today' fell through.
December 2004: Dove Awards Aired on i Network
The 2004 GMA Dove Awards, initially planned for UPN, eventually aired on the i Network in December 2004.
2004: Return to the NFL
In 2004, Deion Sanders came out of retirement after being convinced by friends and fellow players. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a nickelback and chose to wear the number 37, reflecting his age. This move marked his return to professional football and demonstrated his self-awareness regarding his age and experience in the league.
2004: Departure from CBS and Salary Dispute
In 2004, Deion Sanders left his role at CBS's 'The NFL Today' after a salary dispute, rejecting a 30% increase and demanding $2.5 million, a record sum for NFL TV analysts at the time.
September 2, 2005: Sanders Calls for Athlete Donations for Hurricane Katrina Relief
On September 2, 2005, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Deion Sanders challenged professional athletes in major sports to donate $1,000 each to relief efforts, aiming to raise millions for those affected.
2005: Final NFL Season
Deion Sanders played in every game for the Baltimore Ravens in 2005. This marked his final season in the NFL, culminating in his decision to retire in January 2006.
January 2006: Second Retirement from the NFL
Deion Sanders retired from the NFL in January 2006 after playing one season with the Baltimore Ravens. Following the Ravens' failure to qualify for postseason play, Sanders opted to end his second stint in the NFL.
April 2006: Sanders Becomes Owner of Austin Wranglers
In April 2006, Deion Sanders expanded his involvement in professional sports by becoming an owner of the Austin Wranglers, a team in the Arena Football League.
2006: Devin Hester's NFL Success and Record-Breaking Career
Devin Hester, mentored by Deion Sanders, was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2006 and went on to break the NFL record for most total return touchdowns. Hester credits Sanders as a significant influence on his career.
2007: Jackson State Wins SWAC Championship
In the fall 2021 season, Shedeur Sanders led his father's team, Jackson State University, to their first SWAC title since 2007.
2007: Mentoring Noel Devine
In 2007, Deion Sanders became a mentor to Noel Devine, a top high school running back, guiding him through the college recruitment process and playing a role in Devine's decision to sign with West Virginia University.
July 22, 2008: Reality Show and Celebrity Family Feud Appearance
Deion Sanders and his wife starred in the reality show 'Deion & Pilar: Prime Time Love' in 2008. They also appeared on 'Celebrity Family Feud' against the Jenner and Kardashian families on July 22, 2008.
2010: Joining NFL Network as an Analyst
Deion Sanders joined NFL Network as an analyst in 2010, appearing on various shows, including NFL GameDay and Thursday Night Kickoff.
2010: Sanders Represents Monitronics as Spokesperson
In 2010, Deion Sanders took on the role of a celebrity spokesperson for Monitronics, a security system company, representing them at an industry conference.
February 6, 2011: Super Bowl XLV Coin Toss
Deion Sanders participated in Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011, by performing the pre-game coin toss. This ceremonial act highlighted his enduring presence and legacy within the NFL, even after his retirement from professional football.
2011: Induction into Hall of Fame
Deion Sanders was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
April 2012: Sanders and Estranged Wife Face Assault Charges
In April 2012, a dispute between Deion Sanders and his estranged wife, Pilar, resulted in both of them facing misdemeanor assault charges. However, a judge later determined that neither party had committed family violence.
2012: Coaching at Prime Prep Academy
Deion Sanders began his coaching career at Prime Prep Academy, a school he co-founded. He served as the head coach for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, marking his foray into coaching and education.
2012: Sanders Co-Founds Prime Prep Academy
Deion Sanders co-founded the charter school Prime Prep Academy in 2012.
2013: Continued Coaching and School Closure
Deion Sanders continued his role as head coach at Prime Prep Academy in 2013. However, the school faced various problems, leading to its closure in 2015.
2013: Debut of the Leon Sandcastle Character
Deion Sanders' fictional alter ego, Leon Sandcastle, debuted in a Super Bowl commercial in 2013. The humorous ad depicted Sanders suggesting a comeback and participating in the NFL Scouting Combine.
2013: Leon Sandcastle's Viral Success and April Fools' Day Prank
Leon Sandcastle, Deion Sanders' fictional character, became a viral sensation in 2013, with his '4.2 40-yard dash' video and NFL Combine profile gaining widespread attention. NFL.com even ran an April Fools' Day story claiming Sandcastle would be the Kansas City Chiefs' top draft pick.
2013: Custody Dispute Between Sanders and Pilar
The year 2013 saw a bitter custody battle between Deion Sanders and his ex-wife, Pilar, over their three children. A Texas jury ultimately granted Deion sole custody of their two sons and joint custody of their daughter. Pilar criticized the decision, alleging that the judge had excluded testimony about their 2012 dispute.
2014: Pro Bowl Captain and Return to CBS Sports
Deion Sanders returned to CBS Sports as a studio analyst for Thursday Night Football in 2014 and continued his work with NFL Network on Sundays. He also served as an alumni captain for Team Sanders in the 2014 Pro Bowl.
2014: Appearance on 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls'
Deion Sanders tested his survival skills on an episode of 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls' in 2014, hiking and rappelling through the Utah desert.
2015: Winning 'Lip Sync Battle' Against Justin Bieber
Deion Sanders showed off his musical side by winning Spike's 'Lip Sync Battle' against Justin Bieber in 2015.
2015: Coaching at Triple A Academy
Deion Sanders was hired as the head coach for Triple A Academy in 2015. This marked another chapter in his coaching journey after his time at Prime Prep Academy.
2015: End of Sanders' Second Marriage
Deion Sanders' second marriage, to Pilar Biggers, ended in 2015.
2015: Sanders Becomes CEO of FOCUS Academies and Coach at Triple A Academy
In 2015, Deion Sanders took on a prominent role in education by becoming the CEO of FOCUS Academies. Concurrently, he assumed the head coaching position at Triple A Academy, where he made headlines by leading the team against his alma mater, North Fort Myers High School in Florida. The game drew significant attention due to the presence of several highly ranked recruits, showcasing Sanders' impact on high school football.
2015: Closure of Prime Prep Academy
Prime Prep Academy, the charter school co-founded by Deion Sanders, faced closure in 2015 due to a combination of factors, including financial difficulties and allegations of mismanagement. The school's closure highlighted the challenges faced by charter schools and sparked discussions about accountability and oversight in education.
2015: Closure of Prime Prep Academy
Prime Prep Academy, where Deion Sanders served as head coach, was shut down in 2015. The closure followed a period of difficulties and challenges faced by the school.
January 21, 2017: Appearance on 'Tiny House Nation'
Deion Sanders and his girlfriend, Tracey Edmonds, explored the world of downsized living on an episode of 'Tiny House Nation' that aired on January 21, 2017.
August 17, 2017: Sanders Joins Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill as Offensive Coordinator
On August 17, 2017, CBS Sports announced that Deion Sanders would be transitioning to a new coaching role, becoming the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill High School in Texas. This move held special significance for Sanders, as both of his sons were students at the school. He served under the leadership of former Dallas Cowboy Aveion Cason, adding another chapter to his coaching career.
2017: Coaching at Trinity Christian High School
In 2017, Deion Sanders joined Trinity Christian High School as the offensive coordinator. This position allowed him to coach his sons, Shilo, Shedeur, and Deion Jr., merging his family and coaching aspirations.
2018: Undercover Boss Appearance
Deion Sanders went undercover to connect with youth coaches and those less fortunate on an episode of 'Undercover Boss' in 2018.
September 21, 2020: Head Coach at Jackson State University
Deion Sanders became the 21st head coach of the Jackson State Tigers on September 21, 2020, marking a significant step in his coaching career. He joined the historically black university and aimed to lead them to success in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
December 2020: Shilo Sanders Transfers to Jackson State University
Shilo Sanders, Deion Sanders' son, transferred to Jackson State University in December 2020 after playing defensive back for South Carolina for two seasons.
2020: Sanders Begins Coaching Career at Jackson State
Deion Sanders was named the head football coach for the Jackson State Tigers in 2020.
2020: Sanders Graduates from Talladega College
Deion Sanders achieved a significant personal milestone in 2020 when he graduated from Talladega College with a bachelor's degree in business administration, specializing in organizational management.
January 2021: Shedeur Sanders Enrolls at Jackson State University
Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders' younger son, enrolled at Jackson State University in January 2021, initially redshirting the spring 2021 season before earning the starting quarterback position.
2021: First Season at Jackson State
In 2021, Deion Sanders completed his first season as the head coach for Jackson State University. The season was affected by COVID-19 disruptions, resulting in a shortened and delayed schedule. Despite the challenges, Sanders led the Tigers to a 4–3 record, including one win by forfeit.
2021: Sanders Undergoes Foot Surgeries and Toe Amputations
In 2021, Deion Sanders faced serious health challenges, undergoing multiple foot surgeries due to blood clots. The severity of his condition necessitated the amputation of two toes on his left foot.
2021: Success at Jackson State
In the fall 2021 season, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to a historic season, securing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title and achieving a program record of 11 wins. His accomplishments earned him the prestigious Eddie Robinson Award, recognizing him as the top FCS head coach of the season.
December 3, 2022: Head Coach at University of Colorado
On December 3, 2022, Deion Sanders was appointed as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, marking his transition from Jackson State to a Power Five conference program. This move signaled a new chapter in his coaching career and brought his unique coaching style and recruiting prowess to a larger stage.
2022: Transforming HBCU Football Recruiting
Deion Sanders made a significant impact on HBCU football recruiting in 2022 by securing the commitment of Travis Hunter, the number one overall recruit. Hunter's decision to join Jackson State, an FCS program, was unprecedented and highlighted Sanders' influence in elevating the profile and attractiveness of HBCUs to top-tier talent.
2022: Success at Jackson State and Move to Colorado
In 2022, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to their first undefeated regular season in school history and a second consecutive Celebration Bowl appearance. He was then appointed head football coach at Colorado.
2023: First Season at Colorado
Deion Sanders completed his first season as head coach at Colorado in 2023. Utilizing the transfer portal extensively, he reshaped the Buffaloes' roster, bringing in numerous new players. The team showed promise early in the season, winning their first three games. However, they faced challenges later, ultimately finishing with a 4–8 record overall and a 1–8 record in Pac-12 conference play.
2023: Sanders Undergoes Additional Surgery on Left Leg
Deion Sanders underwent further surgery on his left leg in 2023, with the possibility of amputation looming as a potential outcome. The procedure highlighted the ongoing health concerns he faced.
2023: Shilo Sanders Transfers to Colorado
Following his graduation from Jackson State in 2023, Shilo Sanders transferred to the University of Colorado to join his father and brother.
April 10, 2024: Sanders Signs Endorsement Deal with Boost Mobile
On April 10, 2024, Deion Sanders entered into an endorsement agreement with Boost Mobile, a telecommunications company.