Deion Sanders is concluding the year on a high note. In his inaugural season as the coach at Colorado, he revitalized a struggling football program, earning him the title of Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
Taking charge of a 1-11 Colorado team, Sanders orchestrated a captivating season filled with sellout crowds, celebrity appearances on the Folsom Field sideline, media attention from major networks, and notable progress on the field.
The Buffaloes started strong with a 3-0 record, capturing the attention of the college football community. However, they faced challenges in the latter part of the season, losing eight of their last nine games and concluding with a 4-8 record.
Sanders, known for doing things his way, overhauled the roster upon his arrival from Jackson State, utilizing the transfer portal for a swift rebuilding process, even if it ruffled some feathers.
Unfazed by criticism, Sanders once remarked, “Your opinion of me is not the opinion that I have for myself.” He often sported a Colorado sweatshirt with the message: “I ain’t hard 2 find,” signaling to promising recruits that his door was always open.
RELATED: Deion Sanders ‘Slept With’ Sign Goes Viral Amid Colorado’s Five Game Losing Streak
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes are set to transition from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 in the upcoming season.
Sanders will grace the cover of the Dec. 15 issue, captured at Folsom Field with a backdrop of supporters, including his children, quarterback Shedeur, defensive back Shilo, social-media coordinator Deion Jr., and Buffaloes basketball player Shelomi.
Also featured in the photo are athletic director Rick George, Colorado Chancellor Philip DiStefano, super fan Peggy Coppom (who recently turned 99), longtime business partner Constance Schwartz-Morini, and a gathering of Buffaloes supporters.
This marks Deion Sanders’ seventh appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated, with five appearances as a player and one during his coaching tenure at Jackson State. Given his global prominence, Sanders’ recognition by Sports Illustrated is well-deserved.
