Deion Sanders has a new trick up his sleeve. The Buffs head coach is all set to use the limited-edition kicks as a motivational tool for his players. 

This year, Deion rekindled his partnership with Nike, launching a line of sleek shoes and cleats in the classic Colorado Buffaloes colors – black, gold, and white – built on the iconic Nike “Air DT Max” model. Priced at around $150, these shoes are about to become more than just merch.

Deion made it clear during the Buffs’ Big 12 media day that only the team’s top performers will be rewarded with a pair. “I don’t think we use it as a recruiting tool. This year we will,” Deion said with a chuckle. “You know why? Because the guys that ball going to get them. I’m not putting everybody out there, I’m just letting you know now,” he added. 

Deion also noted how it’s earned as a reward, not a handout. “Every Tom, Dick, Harry, and Larry you ain’t get them shoes. Show me what you got and then I can count on you I got you. We got a whole locker room full of ‘I got you though man.’ But if you don’t ball I can’t do that,” he firmly said. 

Now, this strategy could be a double-edged sword for him. While it provides a unique incentive, the limited-edition nature of the shoes might cause issues. Imagine promising these “sold-out” shoes to multiple players! Deion also mentioned reserving some coveted colorways, adding, “The kids, they getting a black-white, they getting a white-black, they getting a white-gold….I think my boys are getting the black with gold.” It looks like fairness could raise eyebrows, too. Can Deion provide the reward he promised?

Deion Sanders’ daring sneaker strategy for motivating Buffs

Deion Sanders isn’t just coaching for the win – he’s building an empire. With his massive $280 million contract over five years with the Buffs, he’s landed big names like Jordan Seaton and LaJohntay Wester and has his sights set on 5-star recruit Julian Lewis next year. But can he keep all these stars happy?

Now, Coach Prime is all set to use the limited-edition Nike cleats as performance rewards for these stars. These shoes are so popular that they sold out in minutes, and fans are demanding a restock. Deion, knowing this, hinted at future releases, including youth sizes. He even thanked fans for buying the first batch, saying, “We’re just getting started!” He added, “Nike has revealed 4 Diamond Turf 3 colorways along with Nike Air Diamond Turf 1’s coming soon.”

Even programs like Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State use “incentives” like helmet stickers to recognize the player’s effort. But for the Buffs, it will be a coveted, sold-out shoe instead of a sticker! With new Nike launches coming in August, will Coach Prime stock his locker room for the new season?