“Deion Sanders has been my best friend”, is what Snoop Dogg reminds the world almost every time he talks about Coach Prime. However, not just football and rap, the duo’s friendship goes way beyond that, ultimately converging in matters of parenthood. Having four children of his own, the record producer is aware of the kind of struggles the role of a father entails. Perhaps that is why, whenever his friend gets stuck at cross-roads in matters regarding his own children, especially Shilo Sanders, the rapper makes sure to share his wisdom.

Long before the 24-year-old Colorado football safety was worrying his father regarding legal battles and bankruptcy, there was a time when Prime Time, like any other parent, had simpler issues to handle. And recently, one such instance came to light when a video from 2014 resurfaced. 14-year-old Shilo was apparently much more inclined toward music than football, adding to his father’s miseries.

However, according to Snoop, the teenager’s wishes weren’t senseless. Appearing on an episode of the reality series, ‘Deion’s Family Playbook’, Dogg Father said, “Football may be too much for him. He’s got some big shoes to fill coming behind you…But this [music], he don’t have no shoes to follow.” And he’s not exactly wrong!

In a career spanning from 1989 to 2005, Deion Sanders won two Super Bowl titles. The NFL Hall of Famer also picked up Defensive Player-of-the-Year honors in 1994, becoming the first player in NFL history with two 90+ yard INT-returns for touchdowns in a season. The former player made an appearance in the 1992 World Series, too, becoming the only player in history to appear in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. So, it’s understandable that the pressure to perform would be high on his son(s).

But, while picking up accolades is easy, being a father to a teenager exploring his options is definitely not, which the father of five honestly admitted, saying, “I’m unfamiliar with this, so this is scary.”

However, reiterating his point, the Grammy award nominee, said, “Let him walk his own path. You got to let him go in an uncharted territory.” Further in the conversation, when Sanders inquired if he followed the same formula with his son Cordell Broadus, Snoop did not take a beat to answer. “I don’t tell him how good he did, how bad he did, because that ain’t my lane,” Snoop said firmly, later adding that he trusts his friends to correct him if he was ever wrong as a father.

Evidently, the duo has never shied away from expressing their fondness for each other, and Sanders was definitely thankful for his friend’s helpful words.

The dynamic duo you didn’t know you needed!

Snoop Dogg’s words evidently had a calming effect on Deion Sanders. Appreciating him for helping him figure out parenthood techniques, the former player has held Snoop’s words close to his heart and confirmed this in another clip.

“The advice that he gave me, I would treasure it forever,” Sanders confessed. While Deion puts the good words of Snoop Dogg to use, he continues to be a supportive and amazing father to all his kids. From being strict whenever needed to being the one who would stand up for them first, Deion always aspires to be a “present father” rather than a “perfect father”. 

Now, talking about the dynamic duo’s friendship, they’ve also made their way to the Hip hop scene. Earlier this year, they were snapped at a recording room together. The Buffs’ coach will reportedly launch Must Be the Money 24, a fresh version of his 1990s hit Must Be the Money.

Additionally, Snoop and Deion also share a passion for football and a love for coaching kids, supporting them in realizing their football dreams. “Me and Prime we’ve been doing this for a long time. He’s moved up to the collegiate level and I stayed down on the lower level. But Prime has always been my friend. He’s always been involved with kids, he’s always helped me as far as coaching,” the rapper said. And just like Sanders, his friend has also made some notable strides in his coaching career. He founded the Snoop Youth Football League in 2005, to give “inner-city kids” a chance at a football career, while focusing on academics. Notably, the program has helped over 60,000 kids to date, with Snoop also training stars like JuJu Smith-Schuster and CJ Stroud.

Schuster, who currently plays as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, reached several career highs, including being the first player to have two offensive touchdowns of at least 97 yards. Reportedly, back in the day, the rapper used to call Schuster ‘SportsCenter’, predicting that the young boy’s stats would be shown on the ESPN show in the future. On the other hand, CJ Stroud joined the NFL in 2o23, leading Houston Texans to a division title and winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

It’s safe to say that Prime Time and Dogg Father have set out to change the football landscape for the better. And, so far, they’ve been pretty successful. What do you think?