Deion Sanders was not a happy child, but he made sure to keep his promise. Growing up in a poverty-stricken household with an absent father, and a mother who had to work two jobs, often as a cleaning lady, to support her son’s future, Sanders vividly remembers having to fend for himself most of his life. In third grade, little Deion would often skip school to attend local baseballs games, and sell home run balls for pocket money. He’d regularly sit outside the Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse, and beg the players for their cracked bats and autographs. Selling them for #15 a piece, the little boy would then go home after a long day’s hard work, just to give his mother what she deserved. But the struggles were far from over…

Sanders was only three years old when his mother Connie divorced Coach Prime’s biological father Mims “Buck” Sanders. The couple had reportedly met at Edison College, Fort Myers, Florida, after the “flashy and handsome” Buck didn’t turn out to be a family man. Battling a dr-g addiction, it was only so much Connie could bear. Soon after, the mother married Will Knight—the only influential man in the coach’s life, and one with a drinking problem. The result? A lonely Deion who would miss having his family in the stands during his games.

Yet, the budding athlete worked day in and day out. There was one promise he had to keep at any cost—buy Connie a million-dollar house house, and give her a comfortable life. “I’ve never, in my life, seen my mama take a day off. I can’t recall a time when I was at home and my mom said, ‘I’m not going to work because I don’t feel good.’ I can’t recall it,” the coach had once recalled. And that time came soon enough…

In 1989, the athlete was picked fifth overall by the Atlanta Falcons for a reported five-year, $5.23 million contract. Since then, his mother “hasn’t had to work another day in her life.” He also built Connie a house as promised—the biggest one in the area—with seven bedrooms, seven baths, and two three-car garages. However, the coach’s mother has since moved to Colorado, and continues to be close to her son, often bantering and showing the 57-year-old veteran who’s the boss, as was evident from a hilarious video the latter shared on his Instagram on March 5.

As always, Coach Prime wanted to make sure Connie’s living comfortably. “You ready to go to Texas? You ready to go to Dallas?” he asked his mother’s suddenly, before she responded was a firm and unimpressed “No.” So, he switched to plan B. Pointing at the closed curtains, he asked, “Can you at least get the view of the beautiful mountains… Why do you have everything closed up?” And just like that, he yanked them open, flooding the room with light. This earned his mother’s reprimand as she scolded him—“Here you come with that opening up everything. I was glad when you were gone.” Don’t we just love to annoy the ones we truly love!?

Deion Sanders couldn’t help but laugh at his mother’s brutal honesty. While he abided by her wishes, and closed the blinds, it’s almost as if Sanders knows better than anyone—this is just how they show love. His playful persistence isn’t just about convincing his mother to move. It’s about making sure she enjoys the life he’s worked so hard to provide. Just last month, the dutiful son decided to treat his 69-year-old mother to some much-needed relaxation at his beloved Lake Prime, too!  

A man of competition, Deion Sanders turned their peaceful stroll into a victory lap. “I wanted her to see how beautiful this view is and how peaceful it is outside. She moaned & groaned, but we made it a half of mile which was tremendous for her,” he posted. And even now, all he wants for his mother is to relax and take in the beauty around her.

But this time, Connie seems to have firmly planted her feet on the ground. Just like her resilience while raising a young Deion. 

Deion Sanders learns from his mother

Deion Sanders’ admiration for Connie runs deep. She wasn’t just a mom — she was his first example of what it means to work hard and never quit. That kind of unwavering commitment shaped him from a young age. Even when he was in high school, his mother made sure she was there for him. Despite working Monday to Friday, she would show up for him on Saturdays after 6-hour drives. And the sacrifice left a mark. 

This fond memory of his resilient mother gave him renewed hope when he went under the weather in mid-February. Sitting with an IV on his arm, he asked, “If I can’t recall my mom taking a day off, who am I?” That mindset is what fuels his leadership, his coaching, and his relentless drive. And he has succeeded. His childhood dream of retiring his mother from work became a reality when he was drafted as a first-round NFL draft pick in 1989. And just like that, Connie never had to clock in again. Because that’s what a son does for a woman who gave him everything.