Deion Sanders, known for his intense and often unapproachable demeanor as the head football coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, shows a much softer side when he talks about his role as a father. In a recent appearance on Robert Griffin III and his wife Grete’s “Outta Pocket” podcast, Sanders opened up about his sons’ unique personalities and the dynamics within their family.
While much of the buzz surrounding the interview has focused on Sanders’ ongoing tensions with ESPN personality Paul Finebaum and his refusal to take questions from a Denver Post columnist, the conversation took a heartfelt turn when it shifted to Sanders’ relationship with his three sons: Shedeur, Shilo, and Deion Sanders Jr., affectionately known as Bucky.
“My sons, they are crazy. Man, they are crazy,” Sanders, 57, shared with a mix of humor and affection. He was quick to acknowledge the distinct personalities of each of his boys. “I wish you would have thrown Bucky in there because it’s three different personalities,” he added, emphasizing the individuality of each son.
Deion Sanders Jr., or Bucky, is the oldest at 30 years old. Sanders described him as “the calm [one],” the big brother who looks out for his younger siblings. “Junior is the calm one, the older one to look out for the younger brothers,” Sanders explained. “Then Shilo is Shilo. He’s the one that, God, you’re going to have a daughter that he’s going to keep you on your knees praying like, ‘Lord please… always that one.’ You know who that one is in the house.”
Shilo, 24, who plays safety for his father at Colorado, is known for his spirited and sometimes unpredictable nature. Meanwhile, Shedeur, 22, the star quarterback also playing under his father’s guidance, shares a closer bond with Sanders. “Shedeur probably spent the most time with me,” Sanders said. “So he’s more like me than any of them because he spent more time with me than any of them. So that’s kind of how their personalities break down.”
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Both Shedeur and Shilo are not only making waves on the football field but are also capitalizing on lucrative NIL deals. According to On3’s NIL 100 rankings, Shedeur holds the top spot, while Shilo ranks at No. 23. With Shedeur projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the next NFL draft and Shilo expected to go in the third round, the Sanders brothers are building impressive careers under the watchful eye of their father.
Despite his dual role as coach and dad, Sanders admits that the lines between the two often blur, especially with Shedeur. “At times, I can’t turn off being coach and ‘daddy,’ especially with Shedeur,” he confessed, acknowledging the challenges of balancing his professional responsibilities with his parental instincts.
When asked who the MVP of his three sons is, Sanders didn’t hesitate. “The MVP is Junior because he keeps it together,” he declared. “He keeps them together. He’s always selfless and gives them unconditional love to try to make sure they shine at all times. The unity that they have and seeing that as a father is unbelievable.”
Sanders’ pride in his children is palpable, as he beams when discussing their bond and achievements. However, his relationship with the media covering Colorado football remains a stark contrast, marked by tension and unresolved conflicts.
In this candid interview, Deion Sanders offers a glimpse into the more personal side of his life, revealing the deep love and respect he holds for his family, even as he navigates the complex roles of coach and father.
