Shilo Sanders has been the most intriguing yet underwhelming storyline of the NFL draft this offseason. Coach Prime has one of his sons (quarterback Shedeur Sanders) as one of the top projected draft picks. But Shilo, the Colorado safety, on the other side, has patiently been waiting for his chance to improve a dwindling stock. The Pro Day came off as a ride-or-die opportunity for him to impress not only the scouts out there but also his head coach. The bonus? A lavish new ride of his choice. But guess what? That turned out to be a dead shot, as Coach Sanders subtly gave a clean chit to the speed controversy surrounding Shilo.

After having a tumultuous year, shaken by injuries and penalties, Shilo Sanders probably hit another low, undermining the 40-yard dash expectations. He finished at 4.52 on his first attempt. On a retake, Shilo fell even shorter, clocking 4.59. That was not bad for a player in his position. However, Deion, as a father and as a coach, always wants his boys to move with flying colors, setting a new definition of success. For the sake of it, he doesn’t mind putting some bait for them to chase.

To push Shilo’s limits on the traditional dash, Coach Prime promised him a new car at the expense of a minimum timing of 4.4 seconds. The safety couldn’t reach that benchmark, missing out on his prize. But there has been buzz claiming that the timing was not at all fair. Deion Jr. posted a video showing CU staff clocking a 4.45 on the stopwatch instead of the 4.52. Even Deion’s ex-wife, Pilar, seconded Bucky, reporting his video. It triggered the controversy, with fans wondering what the real timing was for Shilo. It seems the most adept footballers in the family gave the final verdict through a hype post on Instagram. Sanders poured congratulations on his youngest for the reported 4.52 (and not 4.45).

Netizens try to pull strings in the comments, saying, Is it Sanders being close-fisted to save his dollars for the money, or did Shilo really run that low? That’s a new debate to chew on. But jokes aside, Coach Prime appreciating his son through every thick and thin of his career posed an example of ideal parenthood in this generation. It’s not just stockpiling name, fame, and money for your child, but the moral support they lack at the lowest juncture of their life. A few folks in the comments highlighted how blessed his kids are to have a parent like him. One of them wrote, “I’m a grown man and I never heard my dad say this or even text it. Them boys blessed to have you🙏🏾✊🏾.”

But you can’t put all the credit for flawless parenting on the $45 million coach alone. He has it in his genes, after all. Thanks to Mother Conny, who’s still been backing up her kid and grandkids with all the love and affection.

Deion Sanders’ mom soulfully reacts to Shilo’s significant day at Boulder

It’s no secret how much influence Deion received from his mama growing up in a lower-middle-class family. It’s always been a single mother’s relentless sacrifice that paved the way for an unprecedented success for the Buffs’ head coach. He frequently mentioned how Connie used to travel tirelessly to support him financially. She never had the luxury to watch him play in high school due to a taxing work schedule.

“She worked Monday to Friday, six hours away from my games,” Sanders shared. “But she made sure my laundry was clean, my meals were ready, and my dreams were supported.” She taught him not to smoke, drink, take drugs, or mix up with girls during the crucial formative years and helped him stay focused on his path. But that’s not even the end. The 69-year-old kept showering the same love on her grandkids.

As Shilo made an underwhelmed yet decent enough splash during the Colorado Pro Day, the lady didn’t forget to send her warm love. When son Deion posted a note on IG praising Shilo for the feat, his grandma took it up and reposted it with some black heart emojis. No matter which team Shilo lands on at the end of his rollercoaster draft ride, the familial bond he grew up watching remains the biggest flex, regardless.