The higher you climb, the more devastating a potential fall is. As cliche as that sounds, this rings true. In fact, they’re almost words of gospel for successful athletes. How often do you see a superstar come down crashing in the twilight of their career? Not only does this phenomenon apply on the field. It’s just as resounding off it. As Shedeur Sanders learns his ropes around dealing with issues stemming from his success, father Deion leveraged some advice. 

Deion Sanders is inarguably one of the greatest athletes ever, across generations and in all sports. This inadvertently brings about very substantial wealth. However, traversing life while reaping the rewards of your success isn’t a linear path. The riches, persona and lifestyle of these athletes, or at least the ones they exhibit to the masses, can perhaps smear a sheen on the surface level. Below the conspicuous surface are underlying issues which often stem from money in the first place.

Safe to say, Prime speaks from experience of traversing said path across multiple decades. Deion Sanders Jr. posted an interaction between Shedeur and Prime on his Well Off Media YouTube channel. The trio, alongside members of the Colorado Buffaloes, were on an airplane headed to the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. While discussing something miscellaneous, Shedeur’s phone went off. The call was from an unknown number. Before he could pick it up, Deion intervened.

“One thing I’ve got to teach my son. When it says ‘No Caller ID’, don’t answer that phone. On Christmas too? That’s money. That is a relative. That’s somebody that wants something,” he said laughingly. Although this could simply be perceived as a throwaway comment made in jest, it’s rooted in reality. Shedeur actually got first-hand experience of this reality not too long ago. One momentary lapse has caused an issue for perpetuity.

Sheduer’s personal phone number recently leaked out to the public. He mistakenly flashed it during an episode of his “2Legendary” podcast. In a later episode, he admitted that he’s been getting calls from random numbers as a result. “Somebody keep calling me bro, I gotta get a new number,” the interaction with Deion perhaps stemmed from another such call.

Interestingly, Shedeur proceeded to point out a very valid reason why he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. “Now, if I get a new number people [are] going to say I switched up,” he said. This delves into the paradox that successful athletes, which Shedeur is on the precipice of becoming, face.

Shedeur Sanders learning the ropes of going from a superstar in college to one in the NFL

You’d often see athletes rolling with a bunch of people at every instance. They’re almost never by themselves. Often, these are friends who’ve been a part of the player’s come-up from the onset. They’re even on their payroll at times, owing to the influx of wealth one friend has conjured. Some people take the opportunity to be in proximity to greatness and become great themselves. For instance, Rich Paul- perhaps the biggest agent in basketball and close friend of LeBron James.

In other, more prevalent cases, they almost leech onto the one successful person and their wealth. When Shedeur says people will think he switched up, it’s because those who have helped him become who he’s become will perceive it as a sign of him leaving them behind now that he’s headed to the NFL.

This ties into the crux of what Deion was insinuating as well. People close to Shedeur will find ways to benefit from his success. It’s vital for him to keep clarity in this perspective. Athletes often have to burn foundational bridges when they’re building new ones in their careers. Shedeur Sanders, a projected top 3 Draft pick, is about to be hit with that. Fortunately for him, he’s got a father with know-how.