Senior Day was a special occasion for the Colorado Buffaloes this past Friday, ahead of their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys—a game that ended in a dominant 52-0 victory for the Buffaloes. For senior wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., the day carried a significant emotional weight, not just because it marked the end of his college football journey, but because he faced a unique challenge.
As part of the Senior Day tradition, each senior player walks out onto the field accompanied by their parents or a loved one when their name is called. But for Horn Jr., whose father is currently in prison, finding someone to walk out with him wasn’t a simple task.
Faced with this situation, Horn Jr. decided to ask someone who had become an important figure in his life—his coach, Deion Sanders. Sanders, who has not only been a coach but a father figure to many of his players, gladly accepted the request.
The touching moment came shortly after Sanders had walked onto the field with his own two sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, who are also members of the Buffaloes’ football team. With pride, Sanders walked back out with Horn Jr., creating a heartfelt scene that resonated with everyone watching.
The moment was captured on video by Buffaloes radio play-by-play announcer Mat Smith, highlighting the deep bonds that go beyond the game of football.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Sanders shared his thoughts on the emotional moment. “Jimmy is like my kid, I love him that much,” Sanders said. “We’ve talked about some personal things throughout his couple seasons here. I want to go with him Sunday to see his father as well. But he just turned around and asked me.”
Sanders continued, recalling the interaction: “He just asked, and I said, ‘You don’t have to ask me twice. I got you. I got you.'” It was clear that Sanders’ support for Horn Jr. went beyond the role of a typical coach, reflecting the deep connection he has built with his players.
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Unfortunately, Horn Jr. was unable to take the field during the game due to an undisclosed injury, but that did not diminish the importance of the Senior Day experience for him.
With Sanders by his side, the 22-year-old wide receiver was able to partake in the ceremony and create a memory that will undoubtedly stay with him for years to come. For Horn Jr., having Sanders—someone he looks up to as a mentor and father figure—share that moment with him meant the world.
For Sanders, Senior Day is about much more than just recognizing the football accomplishments of his players. It’s about celebrating their growth as individuals and the relationships that have been built along the way.
Speaking candidly, Sanders reflected on what these moments mean to him. “I don’t want to think about it too much because I’ll get emotional,” Sanders said. “I don’t just coach these young men. I love these young men like they’re family. I just want them to soar.”
Sanders emphasized that his commitment to his players extends beyond the football field. “Not just from the football aspect, but as young men in life,” he added. His dedication to helping these athletes succeed as individuals—both on and off the field—was evident throughout the emotional Senior Day ceremony.
The bond between Sanders and his players goes deeper than just the game; it’s about building a supportive community that allows young men like Horn Jr. to thrive and feel valued, even amidst the challenges they face.
The heartwarming gesture on Senior Day served as a reminder of what makes sports so special: the relationships, the support, and the moments that transcend wins and losses. Deion Sanders has shown time and again that his impact as a coach goes far beyond play-calling and strategy.
It’s about creating an environment where his players feel loved, supported, and prepared for whatever life throws at them.
And for Jimmy Horn Jr., that love and support were on full display on a day that was about so much more than just football.
