History of Deion Sanders in Timeline

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

1920: Bill Wambsganss' Unassisted Triple Play

In 1920, Bill Wambsganss executed an unassisted triple play in the World Series. This is mentioned in relation to Deion Sanders narrowly avoiding being a victim of what would have been only the second triple play in World Series history in 1992.

1961: Charlie McNeil's Interception Record

In 1961, Charlie McNeil set a record for interception return yardage in a single season, a record that Deion Sanders later surpassed.

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

1985: Drafted by Kansas City Royals

In 1985, Deion Sanders was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the MLB draft, 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, recognizing the top 33 players in the 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 at Florida State under head coach Mike Martin.

1986: All-American Selection

In 1986, Deion Sanders was named a third-team All-American at Florida State University.

May 16, 1987: Participation in Baseball and Track Championships

On May 16, 1987, Deion Sanders participated in the Metro Conference baseball semifinal game, ran a leg of a 4 × 100 relay, and then played in the baseball championship game against Cincinnati. The FSU track team became the overall conference champion, and the baseball team won the conference title as well.

1987: Stolen Bases at Florida State

In 1987, Deion Sanders compiled 27 stolen bases while playing baseball at Florida State.

1987: Consensus All-American

In 1987, Deion Sanders was named a consensus All-American cornerback.

1988: 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. He also won the Jim Thorpe Award.

1988: Signed with the New York Yankees

In 1988, Deion Sanders was selected in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees and signed with the team on June 22.

1988: Jim Thorpe Award

In 1988, Deion Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award as a cornerback for the Florida State Seminoles.

1988: "Deion Sanders Rule" Creation

In 1988, Deion Sanders' decision to not attend classes during the fall semester, and still participate in the Sugar Bowl, led to the creation of the "Deion Sanders rule" in Florida, preventing athletes who fail to complete the previous semester from playing in bowl games.

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 became the only player to hit a home run in MLB and score a touchdown in the NFL in the same week.

1989: Marriage to Carolyn Chambers

In 1989, Deion Sanders married Carolyn Chambers.

1989: NFL Draft and First Game

In 1989, Deion Sanders was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the fifth pick overall. In his first game, he ran for a touchdown on his second punt return attempt.

1989: Spring Training and Contract Dispute

In 1989, Deion Sanders was invited to spring training by the Yankees. He became embroiled in a contract dispute with the Falcons, using the Yankees as leverage.

1989: NFL Draft Selection

In 1989, Deion Sanders was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft.

1989: Sugar Bowl Interception

In 1989, during the 1988 postseason, Deion Sanders made an interception with five seconds left to seal Florida State's 13-7 win over Auburn in the Sugar Bowl.

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 Sanders failed to run to first base. Sanders told Fisk that 'the days of slavery are over', leading to further conflict.

September 1990: Yankees Place Sanders on Waivers

In September 1990, the Yankees placed Deion Sanders on waivers, with the intention of giving him his release. Yankees' general manager Gene Michael cited Sanders' football career was stunting his baseball development.

1990: "The Bo and Prime Time Show"

In 1990, Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, preeminent multi-sport athletes, met five times on the baseball diamond, most memorably on July 17 in a game billed as "The Bo and Prime Time Show." In the same game, Sanders hit an inside-the-park home run.

1991: Salary Request and Contract Negotiations

In 1991, Deion Sanders requested a $1 million salary, leading the Yankees to end negotiations on a contract extension.

1991: Signed with Atlanta Braves

In 1991, Deion Sanders signed with the Atlanta Braves for the MLB season and hit a key three-run homer. He left the Braves to report to the Atlanta Falcons due to an NFL contract clause, missing the postseason.

October 11, 1992: Attempt to Play in Two Leagues in One 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 that evening, but ultimately did not appear in the baseball game.

1992: NFL Deal Rework

Before the 1992 season, Deion Sanders reworked his NFL deal so that he could report to the Falcons for training camp, but rejoin the Braves for the postseason.

1992: World Series Performance

During the 1992 season, Deion Sanders had his best year in the majors and played in four games of the 1992 World Series, batting .533 with a broken foot for the Atlanta Braves, who ultimately lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.

1993: Career-High Interceptions

In 1993, Deion Sanders achieved 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 by the Atlanta Braves to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Roberto Kelly.

October 16, 1994: Return to the Georgia Dome

On October 16, 1994, Deion Sanders returned to the Georgia Dome in a 49ers uniform and intercepted a pass from Jeff George, returning it 93 yards while taunting the Falcons' sideline.

December 1994: "Straight to My Feet" Release

In December 1994, Hammer released "Straight to My Feet" with Deion Sanders, from the Street Fighter soundtrack.

December 26, 1994: Release of "Prime Time" Album

On December 26, 1994, Deion Sanders released "Prime Time", a rap album on MC Hammer's Bust It Records.

1994: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award

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: 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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July 21, 1995: Trade to 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: Jersey Retirement at Florida State

In 1995, Deion Sanders' No. 2 jersey at Florida State was retired based on his accolades.

1995: "Deion Sanders Rule" Institution

In 1995, Deion Sanders' signing bonus with the Dallas Cowboys prompted the NFL to institute its own "Deion Sanders rule", which counted a prorated portion of a player's signing bonus against the salary cap.

1995: Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management Launch

In 1995, MC Hammer, launched a new enterprise called Roll Wit It Entertainment & Sports Management which boasted such clients as Evander Holyfield, Deion Sanders and Reggie Brooks.

1995: "Straight to My Feet" Chart Success

In 1995, the song "Straight to My Feet" with Sanders charted at No. 57 in the UK.

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1996: Two-way Starter

During the 1996 season, Deion Sanders concentrated on football, attending his first NFL training camp to familiarize himself with the wide receiver position, becoming only the second two-way starter in the NFL.

1997: Suicide Attempt

In 1997, Deion Sanders attempted suicide by driving a car off a cliff in Cincinnati while playing for the Reds.

1997: Stolen Bases Record

In 1997, Deion Sanders finished second in the National League with 56 stolen bases in 115 games while with the Cincinnati Reds before temporarily leaving baseball for three years.

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 in a salary-cap move.

2000: Signing 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 from the Redskins

In July 2001, Deion Sanders abruptly retired after playing only one year with the Washington Redskins.

2001: Retirement from the NFL

In 2001, Deion Sanders retired from the NFL after a successful career.

2001: Return to Cincinnati Reds and Release

In 2001, Deion Sanders returned to the Cincinnati Reds but was released after playing in only 32 games and batting just .173. He subsequently 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.

2002: Hosting the Miss USA pageant

In 2002, Deion Sanders hosted the Miss USA pageant.

2003: Mentoring Devin Hester

In 2003, Deion Sanders began mentoring Devin Hester, a return specialist from Miami, counseling and advising him during his 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 in the National Women's Basketball League.

April 2004: Co-hosting the GMA Dove Awards

In late April 2004, Deion Sanders co-hosted the 2004 GMA Dove Awards broadcast, which was taped for airing on UPN.

May 2004: UPN cancels GMA Dove Awards Broadcast

In May 2004, UPN cancelled the airing of the GMA Dove Awards broadcast after Deion Sanders signed a deal with ESPN instead of renewing his contract with The NFL Today.

December 2004: GMA Dove Awards airs on i Network

In December 2004, the 2004 GMA Dove Awards broadcast, which Deion Sanders co-hosted, finally aired on the i Network after being canceled by UPN.

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 the number 37 to acknowledge his age.

2004: Departure from CBS' The NFL Today

In 2004, Deion Sanders left his role as a pregame commentator for CBS' The NFL Today after contract negotiations failed because Sanders requested $2.5 million, and was replaced by Shannon Sharpe.

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September 2, 2005: Hurricane Katrina Relief Challenge

On September 2, 2005, Deion Sanders challenged professional athletes to donate $1,000 each to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

2005: Final Season with the Ravens

Deion Sanders played in every game during the 2005 season for the Baltimore Ravens, marking his final year in the NFL.

January 2006: Second Retirement from the NFL

In January 2006, Deion Sanders retired from the NFL for a second time after the Baltimore Ravens failed to qualify for the postseason in 2005.

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 to 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 Noel Devine, a high school running back, and was a factor in Devine's signing 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, competing against the Kardashian-Jenner family.

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2010: Spokesperson for Monitronics

In 2010, Deion Sanders served as a celebrity spokesperson for Monitronics, a security system firm.

2010: Analyst at NFL Network

In 2010, Deion Sanders worked at NFL Network as an analyst on shows like NFL GameDay and Thursday Night Kickoff.

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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.

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, a dispute between Deion Sanders and his estranged wife, Pilar Sanders, led to both facing misdemeanor assault charges, but a judge later 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, a school he co-founded.

2012: Co-founding Prime Prep Academy

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

2013: Continued Coaching at Prime Prep Academy

Deion Sanders continued as the head coach for Prime Prep Academy throughout 2013.

2013: Custody Dispute

In 2013, Deion Sanders and Pilar Sanders had a bitter custody dispute over their three children, with a Texas jury granting Deion sole custody of their two sons and joint custody over their daughter.

2013: Leon Sandcastle's presence in NFL media

In 2013, following the Super Bowl commercial, Leon Sandcastle was featured in combine videos and even had a "Combine Profile" created by the NFL. He also appeared in Rich Eisen's 'Run Rich Run' event and was added to Madden NFL 13's 'Ultimate Team' game mode.

2013: Leon Sandcastle Super Bowl Commercial

In 2013, the character Leon Sandcastle, a disguise for Deion Sanders, first appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for the NFL Network.

2014: Involvement in the 2014 Pro Bowl and CBS Sports Return

In 2014, Deion Sanders served as an alumni captain for Team Sanders in the Pro Bowl and re-joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst for Thursday games.

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: Head Coach for Triple A Academy

In 2015, Deion Sanders was hired as the head coach for Triple A Academy.

2015: CEO of FOCUS Academies and Head Coach at Triple A Academy

In 2015, Deion Sanders was named the CEO of FOCUS Academies and head coach at Triple A Academy.

2015: Closure of Prime Prep Academy

In 2015, Prime Prep Academy, co-founded and coached by Deion Sanders, was shut down due to various problems.

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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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 his sons played.

2017: Offensive Coordinator at Trinity Christian High School

In 2017, Deion Sanders became the offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian High School, where he coached his sons.

2018: Appearance on Undercover Boss

In 2018, Deion Sanders appeared in disguise on an episode of Undercover Boss, meeting with youth coaches and the less fortunate; it aired on CBS.

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September 21, 2020: Head Coach of Jackson State Tigers

On September 21, 2020, Deion Sanders was appointed as the head coach of the Jackson State Tigers, a historically black university.

2020: Graduation from Talladega College

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

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 Amputation

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

2021: First Season with Jackson State

In his first season during spring 2021, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to a 4-3 record.

2021: SWAC Title and Eddie Robinson Award

In the fall 2021 season, Deion Sanders led Jackson State to the SWAC title and a program record of 11 wins. He was also named the recipient of the Eddie Robinson Award.

December 3, 2022: 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 the school's 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, to Jackson State, marking a significant moment for HBCU football.

2023: Head Coach of Colorado

In 2023, Deion Sanders became the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.

April 10, 2024: Endorsement Deal with Boost Mobile

On April 10, 2024, Deion Sanders entered into an endorsement deal with Boost Mobile.

2024: Colorado's Strong Season

Colorado had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 9-3 record. Travis Hunter won the Heisman trophy and Shedeur Sanders finished 8th in Heisman voting.

March 28, 2025: Contract Extension with Colorado

On March 28, 2025, Deion Sanders agreed to a five-year, $54 million contract extension with the University of Colorado.

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.