Deion Sanders coached the Jackson State Tigers for one last time during the Celebration Bowl 2022. And although his stint with the Tigers ended with a defeat, the relationship he built with his players is something that will outlast everything. And after the defeat, a video went viral, showcasing the kind of rapport Coach Prime shares with them. The protagonist of the story is the Tigers tight end Hayden Hagler.
Hagler dropped a touchdown pass in OT against the North Carolina Central Eagles. And Prime did all he could to console the young man.
The viral Deion Sanders video
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After a perfect season, Jackson State took on NCCU in the Celebration Bowl 2022. But the Eagles proved too much to handle for the Tigers and edged past them in OT. The Jackson State players were dejected. And tight end Hayden Hagler could not stop his tears. Sitting in the locker room, Hagler apologized to Deion Sanders. Sanders consoled the player with a pep talk and the video of their interaction went viral on social media.
Deion Sanders consoling his player after a dropped TD in overtime is everything 👏
(via @DeionSanders) pic.twitter.com/y0vtuEgCyH
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 18, 2022
“You’re sorry for what?” Sanders asked Hayden. “You have done good stuff all year baby, you fought through adversity and everything. That ain’t on you, that’s on us. We lost together. You understand that? I need you to fight through adversity. This is gonna prepare you for the rest of your life. Alright? Let’s fight through this. You’re the man. You gotta believe that,” Sanders added as he consoled the tight end.
Read More: “My Dude… What?”: Deion Sanders Startles Football World With New Docuseries News
Hagler dropped a pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders in a third and goal situation during the OT and missed the chance to tie the game. In the end, the Eagles won 41-34. But the football world will always remember Sanders for standing by his player.
The NFL world loves this side of Coach Prime
The NFL world was all over the video and loved to see the soft side coach Deion Sanders. Some fans are sad to see him leaving Jackson State while others are excited for his next coaching stint.
This fan has a huge admiration for coach Sanders and knows he will succeed in the future.
That’s a real coach, and one of the many reasons why he will dominate at Colorado!
— Josh Anderson (@JoshA2403) December 18, 2022
According to this fan, this is exactly what a leader is made of.
This is what you should all look for in not just a HC, but any leader, someone who is capable of true leadership. Which is genuine empathy and caring for all on his team. He has your back, then they will have yours. There is only a handful in coaching that possess it. bw Deion
— Bruno Sato (@BrunoSato14) December 19, 2022
Another fan sees great coaching instincts in Sanders.
I was never a big Deion fan but I do believe he has good coaching instincts and truly cares for his players. I'm a bit disappointed he's leaving Jackson State so soon as I think his influence was really building a great program there.
— Lisa (@Lisa71942412) December 19, 2022
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This fan is looking forward to Sanders’ stint at Colorado State from next season.
Man, Deion is a coach! He is gonna turn the Buffs into a monster! I’d love to have him. He gets it because he was there.
— AugieNewOrleans (@AlonzoStasi) December 19, 2022
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Sanders is leaving the JSU football program to join Colorado State from next season. Another video went viral showing him getting emotional before his last game. But what he built at Jackson State will always be his legacy and the Tigers will surely miss their ringmaster.
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