Deion Sanders, the renowned head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, is a name that resonates with every sports fan. But his journey to this position was paved with the challenges and triumphs of a two-sport star. Sanders, the only individual to grace both the Super Bowl and the World Series, navigated the demanding worlds of the NFL and MLB with a resilience that only a figure like Coach Prime could embody. 

There was a particular day during Deion Sanders’ playing career as a two-sport star. On October 11, 1992, he played both games on the same day. While some saw his hectic schedule as distracting, one former MLB teammate came to his defense.

MLB star David Justice puts Deion Sanders on a pedestal

In a recent YouTube episode of All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson, former MLB star David Justice exposes the truth about Deion Sanders, a baseball teammate for the Atlanta Braves from 1991 to 1994. He said, “The media tries to portray like Deion was a distraction. Deion was never a distraction. Deion was one of the fellas… Deion was part-time… Whenever Deion could make it to the tram we love having him and when he couldn’t, we knew he was off playing football. It was never a problem with us… To be able to play two sports at the highest level is incredible.”

In October 1992, the Braves were supposed to play against the Pittsburgh Pirates, while the Atlanta Falcons were slated to meet the Miami Dolphins on the same day. After playing the NLCS game at Three Rivers Stadium, he headed to the Allegheny County Airport to show up in time with the Falcons, where he returned 42 yards and a punt, eventually losing the game to the Dolphins. But that wasn’t the end of the day for him.

Deion Sanders’ determination is unparalleled 

Right after the game, he was on the road again to the helicopter that would drop him to Pittsburgh, where he showed up to a 7-1 losing game without playing. Deion Sanders says of his adventure, “People say, ‘Prime played two sports in one day.’ I didn’t. I suited up for two sports in one day.” Still, the effort and dedication are phenomenal, which paved the way for him to become one of the most popular HCs in college football. 

In his inaugural season in Colorado, Deion Sanders brought about significant transformations in the college football program. His leadership not only elevated its social standing but also bolstered its financial status. Moreover, he left a profound impact on the players, both those leaving and those joining the team. As he prepares for his second season in Boulder, it’s clear that he aims to instill in his players the same unwavering determination that propelled him to success as a player.