One would’ve noticed the term “JC” written on Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders’ T-shirt, which he wears to every single game. Some speculated that it would be an abbreviation for “Jesus Christ,” given Sanders’ faith. However, the meaning behind it goes way back to his college days at Florida State University.
“JC” stands for Jimmie Callaway, the longtime equipment manager at Florida. Callaway was a mentor and father figure to Deion, who once tweeted:
“The initials I wear on my game day apparel are JC, which stand for a very important man in my life, Jimmie Callaway, the equipment man of FSU. There’s nobody like My JC.”
The initials I wear on my gameDay apparel is JC which stands for a very important man in my life Jimmie Callaway the Equiptment Man of FSU. There’s nobody like My JC 👍🏾🙏🏾💯 pic.twitter.com/D6dyre17qz
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 1, 2022
Also Read: Where Did Deion Sanders Play College Football?
Deion Sanders’ ultimate tribute to Jimmie Callaway
Over the years, Deion Sanders has never missed the opportunity to pay tribute to Jimmie Callaway. In his book ‘Elevate and Dominate: 21 Ways to Win On and Off the Field,’ Deion Sanders named the former equipment manager among the six men who reshaped his life.
Callaway died in 2020 due to heart failure at the age of 85. Sanders had penned an emotional tribute on Instagram and said he will keep his memory alive by stitching “JC” to his gameday merchandise.
“Lord, thank you for bringing this man, Jimmie Calloway, into my life. He was known to most as the equipment man for FSU for many, many years, but to me he was so much more,” Sanders wrote. “He was a father figure who was a true example of hard work, commitment, discipline, integrity, compassion, respect, humor, and love.
“He loved what he did & did what he loved. FSU wasn’t FSU without Jimmie Calloway. Every player in our era knows that. Lord, we lost a GREAT one, but you gained an ANGEL that was in disguise as a humble equipment man that meant the world to me! We LOVE you, Mrs. Donna, and we’re praying for you and everyone that’s close to you and Jimmie,” he added.
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Jimmie Callaway was an employee at FSU for 50 years. His impact on the program and its alumni is best described by Deion Sanders, who carries his legacy at every game. He was spotted wearing the “JC” inscribed T-shirt during Colorado’s 2025 season opener on Friday as well.
Also Read: Where Did Deion Sanders Play College Football? Looking Back at Coach Prime’s Rise to Stardom
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