Saturday’s Alamo Bowl represents not just a pivotal moment for Colorado football but also an emotional milestone for the Sanders family. Ahead of the game, Coach Deion Sanders gave an interview to ESPN’s Taylor McGregor, where he opened up about what it meant to coach his sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Shilo Sanders, for the final time. The normally composed coach struggled to fight back tears as he reflected on their journey together.
“The journey. The journey. It’s been a tremendous, tumultuous journey,” Sanders said when asked about his emotions walking out with his sons for the last time.
When McGregor asked what he’d been reflecting on in the moments before kickoff, Sanders shared heartfelt memories of their early days in the sport.
“I’m seeing when they first put on uniforms, when they first started. When I first started coaching them,” Sanders said, his voice heavy with emotion. “The good, the bad, the indifference. The ups and downs. Just the journey—it’s been a heck of a journey. And I’m thankful, I’m appreciative. I really am. I thank God for it.”
Visibly emotional, Sanders added, “I gotta get it together. I’ve got to coach. I gotta keep it together.”
A Unique Football Legacy
Shilo Sanders began his collegiate career at South Carolina before joining his father and younger brother Shedeur at Jackson State in 2021. Under Deion’s leadership, Jackson State thrived, bringing national attention to HBCU football. Both Shilo and Shedeur played key roles in the team’s success, with Shedeur earning accolades as a standout quarterback.
When Deion accepted the head coaching position at Colorado in late 2022, the Sanders family—and two-way star Travis Hunter—followed him to Boulder. Their move generated massive buzz and reinvigorated a program that had long struggled in the Pac-12.
A Season to Remember
After a 4–8 rebuilding season in 2023, the Buffaloes took a huge leap in 2024. Colorado emerged as one of the Big 12’s top teams, fighting for a College Football Playoff spot until the season’s final weeks. Shedeur’s leadership as quarterback and Shilo’s defensive contributions were instrumental in the team’s success.
Now, with both sons expected to declare for the NFL draft alongside Hunter, the Alamo Bowl marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for the Sanders family.
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A Legacy Beyond the Game
For Deion Sanders, the significance of this moment transcends wins and losses. Coaching his sons through their college careers has been a deeply personal experience, one rooted in family bonds and shared triumphs.
As the Buffaloes prepare to face BYU in the Alamo Bowl, Sanders’ focus remains on the task at hand. But the emotions of this milestone moment are undeniable, a testament to the journey they’ve traveled together.
The Alamo Bowl, which provides the opportunity for Colorado to secure its 10th win and cap off a remarkable season, is being broadcast live on ABC.
