History of Deion Sanders in Timeline
Deion Sanders is an American football coach for the Colorado Buffaloes and a former professional football and baseball player. He played 14 seasons in the NFL for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys, and 9 seasons in MLB. Sanders won two Super Bowl titles and reached the World Series, uniquely positioning him as the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
1920: Bill Wambsganss' unassisted triple play
Sanders narrowly avoided being a victim of what would have been only the second triple play in World Series history following Bill Wambsganss' unassisted triple play in 1920
August 9, 1967: Deion Sanders Born
On August 9, 1967, Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. was born. He later became a successful football coach and former professional football and baseball player.
1985: Drafted by Kansas City Royals
In 1985, Deion Sanders was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round but did not sign with them.
1985: All-Century Team Selection
In 1985, Deion Sanders was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team, which selected the top 33 players in the 100-year history of high school football in the state.
1986: Batting Average at Florida State
In 1986, Deion Sanders had a batting average of .331 while playing baseball under head coach Mike Martin at Florida State.
1986: Third-Team All-American
In 1986, Deion Sanders was named a third-team All-American while playing football at Florida State University.
May 16, 1987: Metro Conference Championships
On May 16, 1987, Deion Sanders participated in the Metro Conference baseball and track championships in Columbia, South Carolina, playing in the baseball semifinal game, running a leg of a 4 × 100 relay, and then returning to play in the baseball championship game, where his team won the conference title.
1987: Stolen Bases at Florida State
In 1987, Deion Sanders compiled 27 stolen bases while playing baseball at Florida State.
1987: Consensus All-American Cornerback
In 1987, Deion Sanders was recognized as a consensus All-American cornerback for the second time while playing for Florida State.
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. This caused the state legislature to create the "Deion Sanders rule", barring athletes who fail to complete the semester from playing in bowl games.
1988: Consensus All-American and Punt Return Leader
In 1988, Deion Sanders was a two-time consensus All-American cornerback and led the nation in punt return average at Florida State.
1988: Signed with the New York Yankees
In 1988, Deion Sanders was selected by the New York Yankees in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball draft and 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 MLB debut.
1989: Touchdown and Home Run in the Same Week
During the 1989 season, Deion Sanders hit a home run and scored a touchdown in the NFL in the same week, making him the only player ever to achieve this feat.
1989: Marriage to Carolyn Chambers
In 1989, Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers, with whom he had two children.
1989: Spring Training and Contract Dispute
In 1989, Deion Sanders was invited to spring training by the Yankees, and later became embroiled in a contract dispute with the Falcons, using the Yankees as leverage.
1989: Sugar Bowl Interception
In 1989, during the 1988 postseason, Deion Sanders made an interception with five seconds left in the 1989 Sugar Bowl, sealing 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 after not running to first base and later making a comment about slavery.
September 1990: Placed on Waivers by Yankees
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 met five times on the baseball field, with a notable game on July 17 billed as "The Bo and Prime Time Show."
1991: Signed with Atlanta Braves
In 1991, Deion Sanders signed with the Atlanta Braves for the MLB season. On July 31, he hit a key three-run homer, but left the Braves the next day to report to the Atlanta Falcons due to an NFL contract clause, missing the postseason.
1991: Salary Request
In mid-July, 1991 Deion Sanders requested a $1 million salary, and the Yankees ended negotiations on a contract extension with Sanders.
October 11, 1992: Attempt to Play in Two Leagues on the Same Day
On October 11, 1992, Deion Sanders played in a Falcons game in Miami and then flew to Pittsburgh, hoping to play in the Braves' League Championship Series game against the Pirates that evening and become the first athlete to play in two professional leagues in the same day, however, he did not appear in the baseball game.
1992: NFL Deal Reworked
Before the 1992 season, Deion Sanders reworked his NFL deal, allowing him to report to the Falcons for training camp in August, but rejoin the Braves for the postseason.
1992: Best Year in the Majors and World Series Performance
In 1992, Deion Sanders had his best year in the majors, hitting .304 with 26 stolen bases and leading the NL with 14 triples. He batted .533 in four games of the 1992 World Series, despite playing with a broken bone in his foot, but the Braves lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.
1992: World Series Appearance
In 1992, Deion Sanders made a World Series appearance, marking him as the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
1993: Career-High Interceptions
In 1993, Deion Sanders recorded a career-high of seven interceptions during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
May 30, 1994: Traded to the Cincinnati Reds
On May 30, 1994, Deion Sanders was traded by the Braves to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Roberto Kelly.
October 16, 1994: Dramatic return to the Georgia Dome
On October 16, 1994, Deion Sanders, in a 49er uniform, made a dramatic return to the Georgia Dome where he had a scuffle with former teammate Andre Rison. He then intercepted a pass from Jeff George, returning it 93 yards while 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. The song charted No. 57 in the UK.
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 that featured the singles "Must Be the Money" and "Prime Time Keeps on Tickin'", neither of which charted in the Top 40.
1994: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1994, Deion Sanders was selected to eight Pro Bowls and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
January 1995: Spokesman for Sega Sports line
In January 1995, Deion Sanders became the spokesman for the Sega Sports line of video games.
February 18, 1995: Hosting Saturday Night Live
On February 18, 1995, following his first Super Bowl victory, Deion Sanders hosted Saturday Night Live where he performed a medley of songs from his album Prime Time.
July 21, 1995: Traded to the San Francisco Giants
On July 21, 1995, the Cincinnati Reds traded Deion Sanders, Dave McCarty, Ricky Pickett, John Roper, and Scott Service to the San Francisco Giants for Dave Burba, Darren Lewis, and Mark Portugal.
September 9, 1995: Signing with the Dallas Cowboys
On September 9, 1995, Deion Sanders signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with a $12.99 million signing bonus with the Dallas Cowboys, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL at the time.
1995: "Straight to My Feet" charts in the UK
In 1995, "Straight to My Feet" with Sanders and Hammer charted at No. 57 in the UK.
1995: "Deion Sanders rule" institution
In 1995, Deion Sanders signed with the Dallas Cowboys for a minimum yearly base salary and a nearly $13 million signing bonus in an attempt to circumvent the NFL's salary cap. This caused the NFL to institute its own "Deion Sanders rule", whereby a prorated portion of a player's signing bonus counted against the salary cap.
1995: Jersey Retired at Florida State
In 1995, Deion Sanders' No. 2 jersey was retired at Florida State University, based on his outstanding football accolades.
1995: Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management
In 1995, Hammer launched Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management, boasting clients such as Deion Sanders.
1996: Two-way player
During the 1996 season, Deion Sanders concentrated on football, skipped baseball season and attended his first NFL training camp and became only the second two-way starter in the NFL.
1997: Second in NL Stolen Bases
In 1997, Deion Sanders finished second in the National League with 56 stolen bases in 115 games while playing with the Cincinnati Reds before leaving baseball for three years.
1997: Suicide Attempt
In 1997, while playing for the Reds, Deion Sanders attempted suicide by driving a car off a cliff in Cincinnati, citing a dark time in his life due to his first marriage ending. He survived without any injuries.
1998: Divorce from Carolyn Chambers
In 1998, Deion Sanders divorced his first wife, Carolyn Chambers.
1999: Marriage to Pilar Biggers-Sanders
In 1999, Deion Sanders married Pilar Biggers-Sanders, with whom he had three children.
June 2, 2000: Release from the Cowboys
On June 2, 2000, Deion Sanders was released from the Dallas Cowboys as part of a salary-cap move.
2000: Season with the Redskins
In 2000, Deion Sanders played one season with the Washington Redskins, having an above-average statistical year.
July 2001: Abrupt Retirement
In July 2001, after playing one year with the Washington Redskins, Deion Sanders abruptly retired from the NFL after having an above-average statistical year in 2000.
2001: Retirement from NFL
In 2001, Deion Sanders retired from the NFL and began working as a pre-game commentator for CBS' The NFL Today.
2001: Release and Minor League Contract
In 2001, Deion Sanders was released from the Cincinnati Reds after playing only 32 games. Subsequently, he signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and was assigned to the Triple-A Syracuse SkyChiefs.
December 23, 2002: Waived from the reserve/retired list
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: Guest Appearances on ESPN and Hosting Miss USA
In 2002, Deion Sanders made guest appearances on ESPN, particularly on the ESPN Radio Dallas affiliate, hosted a show called The New American Sportsman, and hosted the Miss USA pageant.
2003: Mentoring Devin Hester
In 2003, Deion Sanders took interest in and began mentoring Devin Hester, a return specialist from Miami, advising him throughout his collegiate career.
January 2004: Hired as Assistant Coach to Dallas Fury
In January 2004, Deion Sanders was hired as an assistant coach for the Dallas Fury, a women's professional basketball team in the National Women's Basketball League, despite his lack of organized basketball experience.
April 2004: Co-hosting GMA Dove Awards
In late April 2004, Deion Sanders co-hosted the GMA Dove Awards, which was initially set to air on UPN in May.
May 2004: UPN cancels GMA Dove Awards broadcast
In May 2004, UPN canceled the broadcast of the GMA Dove Awards after Sanders signed a deal with ESPN, following failed negotiations with The NFL Today.
December 2004: GMA Dove Awards airs on i Network
In December 2004, the GMA Dove Awards, which Deion Sanders co-hosted, aired on the i Network after being canceled by UPN earlier in the year.
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 as a nickelback, wearing number 37. During Week 7 of the 2004 season against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders scored his ninth career interception return touchdown.
2004: Departure from The NFL Today
In 2004, Deion Sanders left CBS' The NFL Today after contract negotiations failed when he demanded $2.5 million, which led to Shannon Sharpe replacing him. During his tenure, Sanders participated in sketches like "Primetime and 21st" and "Sanders Claus", which was first introduced in Nike commercials.
September 2, 2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Challenge
On September 2, 2005, Deion Sanders challenged professional athletes in the four major sports to donate $1,000 each to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, aiming to raise between $1.5 and $3 million.
2005: Final season in the NFL
In 2005, Deion Sanders played in every game for the Baltimore Ravens. They failed to qualify for the postseason.
January 2006: Second Retirement
In January 2006, Deion Sanders retired from the NFL for a second time after the Baltimore Ravens failed to qualify for the postseason.
April 2006: Ownership of Austin Wranglers
In April 2006, Deion Sanders became an owner of the Austin Wranglers, an Arena Football League team.
2006: Hester Drafted by 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, who was one of the top recruits. Sanders was a factor in Devine's extended wait to sign a letter-of-intent to West Virginia University, eventually signing to play football for the Mountaineers.
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.
2010: Analyst on NFL Network
In 2010, Deion Sanders became an analyst on NFL Network, appearing on shows like NFL GameDay and Thursday Night Kickoff Presented by Lexus, where he offered insights on the afternoon games and pregame analysis for Thursday Night Football.
2010: Spokesperson for Monitronics
In the spring of 2010, Deion Sanders served as a celebrity spokesperson for Monitronics, a security system firm, at an industry conference.
February 6, 2011: Super Bowl XLV Coin Toss
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.
April 2012: Misdemeanor Assault Charges
In April 2012, Deion Sanders and his estranged wife, Pilar Sanders, faced misdemeanor assault charges due to a dispute, though a judge ruled that neither party had committed family violence.
2012: Head Coach for Prime Prep Academy
In 2012, Deion Sanders became the head coach for the Prime Prep Academy, which he co-founded.
2012: Co-founding of Prime Prep Academy
In 2012, Deion Sanders co-founded the charter school Prime Prep Academy.
2013: Custody Dispute
In 2013, Deion Sanders and his former wife Pilar had a bitter custody dispute. A Texas jury voted to give Deion sole custody of their two sons and joint custody of their daughter. Pilar criticized the decision.
2013: Continued coaching at Prime Prep Academy
In 2013, Deion Sanders continued as the head coach for the Prime Prep Academy.
2013: Creation of Leon Sandcastle
In 2013, Deion Sanders created and portrayed the fictional character Leon Sandcastle for an NFL Network Super Bowl commercial, where he attempts a comeback and enters the NFL draft.
2013: Leon Sandcastle's Proliferation
In 2013, after the Super Bowl commercial, the character Leon Sandcastle, created by Deion Sanders, went viral. Videos like Sandcastle's "4.2 40 yard dash" were created, and he was added to Madden NFL 13 as a card in the 'Ultimate Team' game mode. On April Fools' Day, NFL.com jokingly reported that Sandcastle would be the Chiefs' first overall selection.
2014: Alumni Captain and CBS Sports Analyst
In 2014, Deion Sanders served as an alumni captain for Team Sanders in the Pro Bowl and rejoined CBS Sports as a studio analyst for Thursday games, while continuing to work for the NFL Network on Sundays.
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 hiked in the desert of southern Utah with Grylls for two days.
2015: Lip Sync Battle Winner
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.
2015: Divorce from Pilar Biggers-Sanders
In 2015, Deion Sanders divorced his second wife, Pilar Biggers-Sanders.
2015: Head coach for Triple A Academy
In 2015, Deion Sanders was hired as the head coach for Triple A Academy, a position he held for two seasons.
2015: CEO of FOCUS Academies and Head Coach at Triple A Academy
In 2015, Deion Sanders was named the CEO of FOCUS Academies and granted the head coaching position at Triple A Academy, where he led the team to face his alma mater.
2015: Closure of Prime Prep Academy
In 2015, Prime Prep Academy, co-founded by Deion Sanders, shut down due to criticisms for its lack of focus on academics and poor management. The school had amassed debt and did not have enough money to meet payroll.
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.
August 17, 2017: Offensive Coordinator at Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill
On August 17, 2017, Deion Sanders switched coaching positions to become the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill high school in Cedar Hill, Texas, where both his sons played.
2017: Offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian High School
In 2017, Deion Sanders became the offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian High School, giving him the opportunity to coach his sons.
2018: Appearance on Undercover Boss
In 2018, Deion Sanders appeared in disguise on Undercover Boss on CBS, meeting with youth coaches and those 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.
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.
2020: Head Coach of Jackson State Tigers
In 2020, Deion Sanders was named the head coach of the Jackson State Tigers.
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: First Season as Head Coach
In his first season in 2021, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to a 4-3 record, with one win by forfeit.
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 a program record of 11 wins. He was also named the recipient of the fall 2021 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: Undefeated Regular Season
In 2022, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to their first undefeated regular season.
2022: Recruitment of Travis Hunter
In 2022, Deion Sanders successfully flipped the recruitment of Travis Hunter, the number one overall recruit in the 2022 class, from Florida State to Jackson State. It was considered a monumental moment, as Hunter was the first five-star recruit to sign with an FCS program.
2023: Colorado Head Coach
In 2023, Deion Sanders was named the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.
2023: First season at Colorado
In 2023, during Sanders' first season as head coach, Colorado finished with a 4-8 record and 1-8 record in Pac-12 play.
April 10, 2024: Endorsement Deal with Boost Mobile
On April 10, 2024, Deion Sanders entered into an endorsement deal with Boost Mobile.
2024: Colorado season performance and accolades
In 2024, Colorado finished the regular season 9-3, tied for 1st in the Big 12 conference. Travis Hunter won the Heisman trophy for Colorado, with Shedeur Sanders finishing 8th in Heisman voting. Following the season, Colorado retired the jerseys of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.
March 28, 2025: Contract extension with Colorado
On March 28, 2025, Deion Sanders agreed to a five-year, $54 million contract extension with the Colorado Buffaloes.
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