“My Teammates Clowned Me”: Deion Sanders Reveals the Origins of His Legendary ‘Prime Time’ Moniker, That Shaped Colorado’s Fortunes

Over the years of playing multiple sports, Deion Sanders has had his fair share of nicknames. Be it ‘Neon Deion’ during his time at Florida State or ‘Coach Prime’ after he retired and started coaching. But the legendary moniker ‘Prime Time’ still reigns supreme.

He also became well known for being a multi-sports athlete. Being the only person to play in a Super Bowl and a World Series. Currently changing the course of the Colorado football team, coach Deion Sanders shed light on the origins of his nickname.

Origins of the nickname ‘Prime Time’

Deion Sanders played three sports for Florida State University at the same time- baseball, football, and track. Being nicknamed ‘Neon Dieon’, he was already ‘Prime Time’ in high school. Recently, a fan on X, previously known as Twitter, shared a post of Sanders playing basketball from his high school days. In the caption, Sanders revealed, “I got the nickname PRIMETIME for my basketball exploits at North Ft. Myers Highschool.” 

Surprisingly, a friend gave him this title after he scored 30 points in a basketball game in high school. Furthermore, he mentioned how his teammates clowned him after a game, “I once dropped 38 points and had 2 dunks in a game and took off my shoes and 2 roaches fell out dead. My teammates clowned me.”  

Read more: Moments After Buffaloes’ Nail-Biting Win, Deion Sanders Discloses His Mother’s Pivotal Role in Setting the Tone Right

As Sanders continued his journey into the NFL, the ‘Prime Time’ label remained. Recently, he changed it to ‘Coach Prime’ after taking the role of college football coach. After leaving an impression as the Head coach of Jackson State, he is now associated with the Colorado Buffaloes.

Coach Prime changing Colorado’s fortune

Colorado Buffaloes were in need of a change agent that could transform their disastrous football program. Hence, bringing Coach Sanders on board was the right decision to make. Soon after his arrival at Boulder, he flipped over the entire roster, bringing in players from the transfer pool.

The team which only won a game last season is off to a flying start, with 3-0 in their first three games. Coach Prime’s charisma, combined with his coaching abilities, is changing the fortune of Colorado. With jam-packed stadiums and the sale of merchandise growing triple-fold, the entire campus is lit right now.

Back-to-back wins have shifted the entire college football’s focus on the Buffs. It forced even the critics to appreciate Coach Sanders’ efforts. With an entire season lying ahead, it is too early to predict, but the Buffs’ spirited side is looking unstoppable right now.

If they continue to play the way they are playing, the national title won’t be far from their reach. The next challenge awaits as the Oregon Ducks prepare for the ‘Prime Time’ clash. Will the Ducks be able to stop the Buffaloes?

Watch this story: Minutes Before Deion Sanders Lost His Cool, Coach Prime’s Son Escapes Suspension Despite Poking Rams Rival’s Eye