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 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.

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: All-American Selection

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

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: Jim Thorpe Award

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

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.

1993: Career-High Interceptions

In 1993, Deion Sanders achieved a career-high seven interceptions during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.

1994: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 1994, Deion Sanders was selected as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

1995: Jersey Retirement at Florida State

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

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: 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.

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.

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.

2022: Undefeated Regular Season

In 2022, Deion Sanders led the Jackson State Tigers to the school's first undefeated regular season.

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.