“We Can’t Afford to Mess Up”: Deion Sanders’ Million-Dollar Advice to Ex-Vikings WR That Changed Him Forever

Deion Sanders was a walking inspiration even before he arrived in Colorado as the head coach. He was a two-sport star, having played in the NFL and MLB, and being the only athlete to appear in the Super Bowl and World Series. But the 8x Pro Bowl winner’s influence transpires beyond the playing field as he’s credited with empowering younger people through his powerful impact. 

Deion Sanders made an appearance on YouTube on CBS Mornings to enlighten his viewers on his philosophy. But one particular scene caught the attention of fans when former Minnesota Vikings WR, who is also the co-host of CBS Mornings, dug out a memory of Coach Prime when he was starting as a media talent on NFL Network. 

Nate Burleson credits Deion Sanders for his life-changing lesson

In the video, Nate Burleson recounted how he was in Jacksonville and missed his flight back to LA because he woke up late. About a week later, Deion Sanders met up with the 42-year-old and reprimanded him for his excuses where Burleson quoted the Buffs HC saying, “If I heard about it, our boss has heard about it. We can’t afford to mess up.” It may just be a simple thing to say but it had a profound impact on Nate Burleson, who “never missed the flight again.” 

Putting Coach Prime’s advice in mind, Burleson went on to cement his career covering football for CBS. He became one of the best studio analysts with two Sports Emmy Awards in 2021 and 2022. As per Celebrity Net Worth, he is reportedly worth $18 million earning a reported salary of about $2 million from his current job on CBS Mornings. Once again, it’s a testament to how Deion Sanders is impacting lives with his concern and desire to see everyone winning in life. His new book Elevate and Dominate is another motivational source of experience, struggle, endurance, and success that he has selflessly imparted to everyone. 

Deion Sanders reveals his inspirational figures in Elevate and Dominate

Coach Prime’s new book, Elevate and Dominate: 21 Ways to Win On and Off the Field, as the title suggests, is an inspirational book where the 2x Super Bowl winner talked about his life experience from how a single mother raised him to how he became a Division I football team and a proud father of five. In his book, he also credits four important people in his life whom he looked up to while growing up. 

READ MORE: Deion Sanders Applauds Dawn Staley After Shutting Off Angel Reese and Co. in SEC Championship Game: “Love Ya 2 Life Sis”

These idols include Julius Erving, Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, and OJ Simpson before his controversy. He looked up to them because “Those guys knew how to present themselves well. They had a PRESENCE. The world needs more people with true presence.” Needless to say, Deion Sanders has gone on to establish that dynamic presence for himself, with Sports Illustrated‘s 2023 Sportsperson of the Year being one of the prime examples of his impact. 

READ MORE: “You Gonna Hit A Woman?”: Coach Prime Speaks Out on Flau’jae Johnson’s Brother’s Actions During SC-LSU Viral Brawl