Deion Sanders's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Deion Sanders. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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.
1961: Historical Reference - Charlie McNeil's Interception Record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.
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.
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: Consensus All-American
In 1987, Deion Sanders was recognized as a consensus All-American cornerback for his performance at Florida State University.
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: Jim Thorpe Award
In 1988, Deion Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award while playing college football as a cornerback for the Florida State Seminoles.
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: 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.
1994: NFL Defensive Player of the Year
In 1994, Deion Sanders was selected as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
