Watching him streak across the field, leaving defenders in his wake, is like witnessing lightning in a bottle. Jimmy Horn Jr. is becoming a household name around Boulder, dazzling fans with his speed, grit, and playmaking ability. The Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver has had a mixed 2023 season, tallying 33 receptions for 434 yards and a lone touchdown in 10 games. Still, he’s unbelievably talented—Coach Sanders raves about him, calling him a “frickin’ warrior” and a “game-changer.”

Jimmy Horn Jr.’s journey to the spotlight hasn’t been without challenges. His father, Jimmy Horn Sr., raised him as a single parent in Sanford, Florida. A former football player at Seminole High School and Bethune-Cookman University. Couldn’t make it to the NFL. Instead, he worked as a truck driver and barber. Horn Sr. instilled a love for the game in his son. But his life took a turn in 2021 when he was incarcerated on multiple drug-related charges. Although Jimmy Horn Jr.’s father won’t be able to cheer him on from the stands in the Alama Bowl, the senior wideout will still put on a show. Unfortunately, Horn Sr. is still incarcerated, leaving him unable to watch his son’s rise in person and without his most trusted coach in the stands.

Despite the physical distance, the bond between father and son remains strong. Horn Jr. stays in touch with his father, drawing inspiration and support from their conversations. The USF Bulls transfer pulled back the curtain on his last conversation with his father before his sentencing. “I was able to talk to him,” Horn said. “That was my last time talking to him before — so you just got to go even harder, you feel me? And it just felt good to talk to him. That just pushes me even more. It’s a lot of adversity that go on through life.” That fire was evident in his performances this season.

Following in his father’s footsteps and playing football at Seminole High School, Jimmy Horn Jr. was a standout receiver and returner. He also excelled academically, earning a 3.8 GPA and graduating with honors. You can imagine with each catch; each yard he carries the weight of someone playing for more than just himself.

And then there’s Deion Sanders, the Buffs head coach and Horn’s staunchest supporter. Sanders, who knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges, has been instrumental in keeping Horn focused amid off-field turmoil.

Coach Prime is more than a coach for Jimmy Horn Jr.

Being the one of only two players on the roster to start and play in every game in 2023. He made an instant impact after transferring from the Bulls to the Buffs, with 6 TDs that season being his best. And Deion Sanders returned that favor. At Colorado, Jimmy Horn Jr. hasn’t just been making waves on the field—he’s found a mentor and father figure in Coach Deion Sanders. Their bond goes beyond football, with Sanders stepping in to guide Horn Jr. in both his game and his life. After Colorado’s stunning win over TCU in 2023, Jimmy Horn Sr. personally thanked Sanders for looking out for his son, underscoring the coach’s role as more than just a play-caller.

But Sanders didn’t stop there. In a heartfelt show of support, he went to bat for Horn Jr.’s father, who has been incarcerated for many years. Sanders recorded a video for the judge overseeing Jimmy Horn Sr.’s court case, making a compassionate appeal.

“Your Honor,” Sanders said candidly, “I just want to let you know that I’m praying for Jimmy Horn Sr., who’s been incarcerated for a multitude of years. His son, Jimmy Horn Jr., left to go see his father and be there for whatever transpires. I just want you to know that I’ve talked to Jimmy Horn Sr. and, truly, he has served a multitude of years, he has repented for what has transpired, and he is truly a different man.” For every touchdown he scores and every defender he outruns, there’s a deeper narrative playing out—a son carrying his father’s legacy forward.