A Family Affair: Deion Sanders And Two Sons Begin New Chapter At Jackson State
By: Tialena Evans
Jackson State University’s football team recently gained a family trio with a familiar name. Retired NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, officially became the head coach of his two sons after his eldest, Shilo, announced his transfer from the University of South Carolina to JSU in December. Sanders’ youngest son, Shedeur, announced his commitment to the HBCU in November.
Sanders took to Instagram to express his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to coach his two sons this upcoming spring season.
“Lord I thank u! I couldn’t have never imagined this but you’re able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we may ask or think,” Deion wrote. “Having my sons @shilosanders & @shedeursanders on our team helping me level this playing field in pursuit of equality @gojsutigersfb is a Fathers dream. I get to develop, coach, love, motivate, challenge & watch my sons grow & go become PROFESSIONALS. WOW ! Ain’t NOBODY can tell me NOTHING that GOD CANT DO! I got father of the year locked down again now let hit my dance with a smile.”
Sanders accepted the head-coaching position in September, but due to COVID-19 concerns, JSU’s football season was moved to the Spring. They are set to kickoff their first game on February, 21.
Other than notably being a highly skilled 14-season NFL veteran, Sanders brings zero college coaching experience to Jackson State. He’s mostly dedicated his post-career days coaching at the high school level and taking part in the media industry as an analyst for NFL Network and CBS Sports.
Although JSU’s acting president, Thomas Hudson, acknowledges the hire was partially made for media exposure, he says the attention it received exceeded even his highest expectations. “I had no idea it would be as big as it is”, he says.
It’s no secret that Sanders came to Jackson state for the reason of reviving not only the university’s football team, but HBCU football as a whole.
“With what we’re doing in the country—social injustices, so many things about trying to reach and strive for equality—this is the best possible scenario and situation I could ever find myself in,” Sanders tells Sports Illustrated. “It’s a task to me—level the playing field.”
With this unprecedented hire in college football history, hopefully Mr. Prime Time can achieve his goals with his two boys by his side.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
