Deion Sanders is synonymous with polarizing. Certain factions look down upon his outward eccentricity and antics as a head coach and, by extension, leader of men. The “men” he’s affecting are quite unanimous in their reverence of him. The misapprehension often stems from a slyly prejudicial place because of the image he projects. Maybe even his unwavering push for his faith. Coach Prime isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, scratch the conspicuous surface and beneath is a guy that’s regular. A stand-up family man who strives to keep his people close. Deion has just lost a confidante dear to him. So, his very first one has cropped up to alleviate some despair.

Lieutenant Evis McGee, a figurehead in Deion Sanders’ security detail and entourage, has passed away. He was with Deion since his stint at Jackson State. A firsthand witness to the rise and lore of Coach Prime, McGee was omnipresent for the Sanders clan. He was a fixture beyond football duties and had touched the family on a more intricate level. This is evidenced by the heartfelt condolences from Connie Sanders, mother of Deion, over McGee’s passing.

Miss Connie, perhaps owing to age, usually refrains from public-facing messages on social media or elsewhere. Her last post on IG came over 2 years ago. Apart from the odd repost to amplify someone else’s stuff. She’d have hoped this silence didn’t have to be broken under such circumstances. But she took to her IG to pay heed to Evis McGee. “Lt you will truly be missed but never forgotten!🤍🙏” she wrote, alongside pictures of the departed.

It’s difficult to fathom for the everyday Joe how a member of security can become an integral part of your inner circle. The reality, somewhat begrudgingly, is that these individuals spend more time with their “assignment” than anyone else. It’s a nexus built on immense trust and reliance. Deion Sanders trusted Evis McGee with his life, and the void that’s now emerged will never really fill to the brim. 

The new year has truly marked a new phase for Deion. His sons Shedeur and Shilo are no longer under his wing. For the very first time since they began playing football. Now, he’s lost another companion. Add Travis Hunter, and that’s 4 figures who’ve inadvertently moulded his coaching escapades now moving up, figuratively and transcendently. Deion wears his heart on his sleeve on a random Wednesday, so best believe, he conjured some beautiful words in light of McGee’s transcendence. 

Deion Sanders pays due respect to Evis McGee and their relationship

It is rare for a group of talented, successful people to exist symbiotically with no friction whatsoever. With the exponential rise of Shedeur and Travis, it’ll be understandable if the close-knit bonds were tested. The presence of figures such as Evis McGee, as well as the overarching one of Miss Connie and her values, are bound to have maintained the culture of trust and parity. A culture which shall soon translate to a couple of NFL franchises. McGee, unfortunately, wouldn’t be there to witness the fruit of his proverbial labour.

 “Lt. McGee was one of the most loyal and faithful men that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His consistency & commitment to his family, friends, and faith was truly commendable. LT will be missed. God Bless his wife and kids.” said Deion Sanders in mourning.

It’s the dawn of a new era up in Boulder. A plethora of familiar faces that are etched in Buffs’ culture have now departed. In a time like this, Deion Sanders will seek to feed off Miss Connie more than ever. Bring some ordinality to substantiate his eccentricity. Just on the gridiron, he’s stood on the precipice of his toughest year coaching yet. The standards are set, and expectations will be set in line with them. Deion shall have to muster this challenge without his trusted few.