‘Prime Time’ Deion Sanders Explains the Origin of His Nickname: “I’m From the Inner City. You Can’t Just Give Us a Nickname. You Gotta Earn That Thing, And I Earned It”

The ‘Late Night Show With Jimmy Fallon’ last night was the place to be for football fans. Deion Sanders, a two-time Super Bowl winner, was the special guest. During the interview, the host and Prime Time talked about many things. But one of the most interesting discoveries the fans made was the origin of Sanders’ nickname. 

The fans better watch out before calling him ‘Neon Deion.’ It looks like the HBCU HC is not too fond of that name. Sanders acquired the moniker ‘Prime Time’ in high school, and he explained how it came about.

 The origin of ‘Prime Time’

Jimmy Fallon started the interview by greeting Deion Sanders and asking him a question, “I’m so happy to have you here. ‘Prime Time’. ‘Prime Time’ Deion Sanders. You don’t like ‘Neon Deion’?” Sanders replies, “NO! They tried to give me that in Florida State.” 

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He adds, “I’d already earned ‘Prime Time’ in high school. I dropped like 37 that night, had two dunks back to back, curl was wet, looked dry.” Fallon and the fans burst out laughing. Sanders continued, “We were on our way home on the bus, and my homie says, ‘You know what, man? You’re Prime Time.’ I said, ‘You’re right.’ So, it was birthed then.” 

Deion Sanders explains that one has to earn their nickname. It is not something that is just handed to you randomly. “You can’t give me no nickname.” Sanders adds, “I’m from the inner city. You can’t just give us a nickname, you gotta earn that thing, and I earned it, ‘Prime Time’.” 

We have seen the stunning performance of Deion Sanders time and time again in the NFL. And he is deserving of the moniker “Prime Time.” Sanders wishes to be known as ‘Prime Time’ Deion Sanders, despite the fact that ‘Neon Deion’ has a nice ring to it.

What can Jimmy Fallon call Deion Sanders?

Fallon was not ready to give up on ‘Neon Deion.’ He said, “‘Neon Deion’ though.” Sanders just straight up replied, “I don’t like ‘Neon Deion’ I don’t like that.” Jimmy Fallon then got a little bit worried about what to call the Jackson State HC.

He asks, “Well, what do I call you now? Do I call you ‘Prime’ or ‘Coach’?” Prime Time replies, “You can call me anything. You can call me ‘Coach Prime.’ Coach Prime is the name of Sanders’ documentary as well. Fans can catch its latest episodes on the Barstool Sports YouTube channel. 

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