Coach Prime is bringing some dad vibes to Boulder. Well, let’s just say it’s not only his sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, who are feeling the love. Even Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. is getting a dose of that for good!

Well, Jimmy Horn Jr.’s dad is in prison for drug-related issues. But Coach Prime hasn’t given up on him. He’s always been there for Jimmy during his tough times and the WR, too, has always spoken highly of his head coach for offering that shoulder to lean on.

This Wednesday, Horn Jr. sat down with Romi Bean to talk about his experience with the Buffs, recalling a meaningful moment during a practice. “I came back from my court and stuff like that. Coach Prime was like, ‘Let me know if you need a day off.’ I’m like, ‘No need for a day off. This is how I cope with life. Football is my way to cope with a lot of things,’” he shared.

It seems Coach Prime is making sure his guys are in top shape, both physically and mentally, ahead of the season opener. And Jimmy Horn Jr.’s coping mechanism, too, is working wonders for him.

In their Week 1 game, the Colorado Buffaloes pulled off a nail-biting 31-26 win against NDSU, with a big part of that victory owed to Jimmy Horn Jr. He was quite great, playing 198 yards and becoming the quarterback’s go-to man that day. Even Coach Prime called his performance “phenomenal,” giving him the shoutout he deserved. 

But this isn’t the first time the bond between Deion and Jimmy has touched Buffs fans. Since Coach Prime arrived in Boulder, he’s been a constant source of support for the kid, who’s been craving some dad love.

Coach Prime’s fatherly side

Well, we’re not sure how long Jimmy Horn Sr. will stay in jail, as the details of his drug-related offense are still unreleased. But he wasn’t able to watch his son play for the Buffs last year, and it’s the same case this year. However, that hasn’t stopped Coach Prime from stepping in and trying to bring father and son closer together.

Last year, after a great game against TCU, where Jimmy Horn Jr. made 11 receptions, he received an unexpected call from his “pops,” congratulating him. And it’s not hard to guess who made that call happen. Well, it’s our very own Deion Sanders! That gesture struck a chord with Jimmy, who said, “Coach Prime reminds me so much of my pops” and called him a “man of words.” And Coach Prime hasn’t stopped with that. Just two weeks before the Week 1 game, Deion Sanders visited Jimmy Horn Sr. in prison and released a video plea asking officials to review the case and release him as soon as possible. “I’ve talked to Jimmy Horn Sr. and truly, he has repented for what has transpired,” Deion said, vouching for him and asking for a “chance to resume his fatherly responsibility.”

Looks like until Jimmy Horn Sr. is released, Coach Prime is doing his best to fill in as a father figure.