The Colorado Buffs head coach has a lot of role models, but he also has a soft corner for Muhammad Ali and Redd Foxx, whom he calls his childhood heroes. Also known as “the Greatest,” Muhammad Ali was regarded as the GOAT of heavyweight boxing in the 20th century. He was named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Century and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Century in 1999.

On the other hand, Redd Foxx, John Elroy Sanford’s other name, was one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry. The “King of the Party Records” has more than 50 records under his belt. After his death, he was given a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. While these two legends left the world early, their contribution has left a deep mark on many people, including Deion Sanders. 

Deion Sanders remembers his heroes in a tribute

Deion Sanders recently uploaded a video that features a 1977 excerpt of the Redd Foxx show on his Instagram. In the video he uploaded, The People’s Champion Muhammad Ali and Golden Globe winner Redd Foxx were engaged in a light-hearted casual banter, providing laughter to their fans. Coach Prime captioned the post, “Two of my heroes.”

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While the two legendary figures may not be alive anymore, Deion Sanders has immobilized them in his heart and credits them as the GOAT in their respective fields. In a previous report by Sports Illustrated, Coach Prime credits them as two of the five figures he believed were the greatest in how they inspired him growing up. A two-sports star himself and a powerful bead coach, Deion Sanders is also an influence himself giving inspiration and hope to so many people. 

Deion Sanders is a role model to so many people

It’s not only his role in Colorado that projected Deion Sanders to great heights. He was already a star from his professional playing career as a two-sport star playing for both the NFL and MLB. But when he came to Colorado and made some noise in a program that was dying, he secured a lot of praise from many people. 

The Buffs GM David Kelly said, “Coach Prime is one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever been around regardless of field or profession.” A Black student at CU said of Deion Sanders, “It’s good to see someone who looks like us who is successful in a high position of power here at CU.” Director of the Center of African American Studies Dr. Reiland Rabaka also said, “He’s the most hip-hop head coach in college football… He transcends sports. When I was a kid, for us, he was like Superman.” It takes great people to serve as role models for someone who aspires to be a legendary figure.